focus

noun

fo·cus | \ ˈfō-kəs

plural foci\ ˈfō-ˌsī

also -ˌkī \ also focuses

Definition of focus

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a center of activity, attraction, or attention the focus of the meeting was drug abuse put immigration into focus as a hot topic for commentators

b : a point of concentration

2 : directed attention : emphasis The focus is on helping the homeless.

3a : direction sense 6c the team lost focus

b : a state or condition permitting clear perception or understanding tried to bring the issues into focus

c : adjustment for distinct vision also : the area that may be seen distinctly or resolved into a clear image

d : focal length

4a : a point at which rays (as of light, heat, or sound) converge or from which they diverge or appear to diverge specifically : the point where the geometrical lines or their prolongations conforming to the rays diverging from or converging toward another point intersect and give rise to an image after reflection by a mirror or refraction by a lens or optical system

b : a point of convergence (see convergence sense 1) of a beam of particles (such as electrons)

5 : one of the fixed points that with the corresponding directrix defines a conic section

6 : a localized area of disease or the chief site of a generalized disease or infection

7 : the place of origin of an earthquake or moonquake

in focus

: having or giving the proper sharpness of outline due to good focusing get the binoculars in focus

out of focus

: not in focus

focus

verb

focused also focussed; focusing also focussing

Definition of focus (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to cause to be concentrated focused their attention on the most urgent problems

2a : to adjust the focus of (the eye, a lens, etc.) focus the telescope

b : to bring into focus The results of that research were focused for classroom presentation.

3 : to bring (something, such as light rays) to a focus : concentrate

intransitive verb

1 : to concentrate attention or effort focus on the most pressing needs

2 : to adjust one's eye or a camera to a particular range Newborn babies cannot focus for several months.

3 : to come to a focus : converge

Other Words from focus Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about focus

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Other Words from focus

Noun

focusless \ ˈfō-kəs-ləs

\ adjective

Verb

focusable \ ˈfō-kə-sə-bəl

\ adjective

focuser noun

Did You Know?

The Latin word focus meant “hearth, fireplace.” In the scientific Latin of the 17th century, the word is used to refer to the point at which rays of light refracted by a lens converge. Because rays of sunlight when directed by a magnifying glass can produce enough heat to ignite paper, a word meaning “fireplace” is quite appropriate as a metaphor to describe their convergence point. From this sense of focus have arisen extended senses such as “center of activity.”

Examples of focus in a Sentence

Noun

He's successful, but he feels that his life lacks focus. His life lacks a focus.

Verb

She has an amazing ability to focus for hours at a time. I wasn't able to focus the camera. I wasn't able to get the camera to focus.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Users can stream songs and videos online for free or sign up for one of the platform's subscription plans, which are available globally with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. — Billboard Staff, Billboard, "Linkfire Partners With Africa's Boomplay to Help Artists Optimize Marketing Efforts," 4 Sep. 2019 Beginning coding for adults will be offered from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 7, with a focus on HTML and CSS. — Carol Kovach, cleveland.com, "Pearl of the Orient bows out of Rocky River restaurant scene: West Shore Chatter," 3 Sep. 2019 ProPublica has opened a new round of applications for its Local Reporting Network, with a focus on accountability projects involving state government or state politics. — ProPublica, "ProPublica Wants Pitches for State Government Investigations. Apply for a Spot in Our Local Reporting Network.," 3 Sep. 2019 Sushi Shack is showing signs of finding its way after a tumultuous first year, with a focus on Korean food under a new Korean chef. — Michael Mayo, sun-sentinel.com, "Review: Asian trio on Las Olas — Etaru, Red Door and Sushi Shack," 29 Aug. 2019 This course will center yoga and social justice with a focus on equipping more teachers of color with the tools to bring these yoga practices into their own communities. — Ryan Walker-hartshorn, Bon Appétit, "Sinikiwe Dhliwayo Wants Everyone to Chill Out in Triangle Pose," 27 Aug. 2019 The lunch menu spans from light to decadent with a focus on high-quality ingredients, where everything is made from scratch. — Trisha Boyer, USA TODAY, "The SoCal beach towns you shouldn't miss between Los Angeles and San Diego," 27 Aug. 2019 On Monday, Baldwin sat in an empty field, talking about the next stage of his life away from football and with a focus on philanthropy and helping others. — chicagotribune.com, "Doug Baldwin moving his focus from football to philanthropy," 26 Aug. 2019

focus

Definition of focus

Other Words from focus

Synonyms for focus

Did You Know?

Examples of focus in a Sentence

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