Dictionary monolingual
English
Focus
ˈfoʊkəs
Very common
~ 2200
~ 2200
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Focus -
To concentrate attention or effort on a particular subject or activity
Example: She needs to focus on her studies to pass the exam.
Usage: formalContext: academic or work-related situations
Note: Commonly used in professional and educational settings to indicate directing attention towards a specific task or goal.
The central point of attention or activity
Example: The focus of the discussion was on environmental sustainability.
Usage: formalContext: meetings, presentations, or essays
Note: Used to refer to the main topic or theme that is being discussed or emphasized.
To adjust the lens of a camera or microscope to make an image clear
Example: The photographer focused the camera on the beautiful sunset.
Usage: formal/informalContext: photography, microscopy, or technical settings
Note: In technical contexts, 'focus' refers to the act of making an image or object clearer by adjusting the lens.
Focus's synonyms
concentrate
To concentrate means to focus all one's attention or mental effort on a particular task or subject.
Example: She needs to concentrate on her studies to improve her grades.
Note: Concentrate is often used when referring to mental effort or attention.
center
To center means to focus on or be based on a particular subject or idea.
Example: The discussion will center around the topic of climate change.
Note: Center is often used when something is at the core or main point of focus.
attend
To attend means to give one's time or thought to something; to deal with or take charge of something.
Example: Please attend to the details of the project to ensure its success.
Note: Attend is often used when referring to giving consideration or care to something.
zero in on
To zero in on means to direct all attention or effort towards a specific target or objective.
Example: Let's zero in on the key issues that need to be addressed.
Note: Zero in on is a more informal expression that emphasizes pinpointing a specific focus.
Focus expressions, common phrases
Stay focused
This phrase means to concentrate on a particular task or goal without being distracted.
Example: During the exam, it's important to stay focused and not get distracted by others.
Note: The original word 'focus' is a verb or noun, while the phrase 'stay focused' is an instruction or reminder to maintain concentration.
Lose focus
To lose focus means to become distracted or unable to concentrate on a task or goal.
Example: I tend to lose focus when there are too many distractions around me.
Note: While 'focus' refers to concentration, 'lose focus' specifically indicates a lack of concentration.
Focus on
To focus on something means to give all your attention and effort to a specific task or objective.
Example: Let's focus on completing this project before moving on to the next one.
Note: This phrase highlights directing attention to a particular thing, emphasizing the act of concentrating on a specific target.
Bring into focus
To bring something into focus means to make it clear, understandable, or prominent.
Example: The new evidence helped to bring the suspect into focus for the investigation.
Note: In this idiom, 'focus' is used metaphorically to indicate making something more visible or distinct.
Focus group
A focus group is a small group of people brought together to give opinions and feedback on a product, service, or idea.
Example: The marketing team conducted a focus group to gather feedback on the new product.
Note: While 'focus' generally refers to concentration, a 'focus group' is a specific research method involving targeted participants for feedback.
Laser focus
Having a laser focus means being extremely concentrated and attentive to a specific objective or task.
Example: She had a laser focus on her career goals, which helped her achieve success.
Note: This phrase intensifies the concept of focus by likening it to the precision and intensity of a laser beam.
Focus one's attention
To focus one's attention means to concentrate on a particular subject or task.
Example: It's important to focus your attention on the details of the assignment to avoid mistakes.
Note: While 'focus' itself implies concentration, this phrase specifies directing attention deliberately towards a specific aspect.
Focus everyday (slang) expressions
Zero in
To focus or center one's attention or energy on something specific.
Example: Let's zero in on the main points of the presentation.
Note: The term 'zero in' implies a more targeted and precise focus compared to just 'focus.'
Tune in
To become attentive or focus on a particular subject or situation.
Example: I need to tune in to the speaker's important message.
Note: It emphasizes the act of adjusting one's attention or awareness, similar to tuning a radio to a specific frequency.
Lock in
To firmly establish or focus on a particular plan or decision.
Example: Let's lock in our strategy for the upcoming project.
Note: It conveys a sense of commitment and dedication to the chosen focus, like locking into a specific course of action.
Zone in
To concentrate intensely on a task, often ignoring everything else.
Example: When I'm writing, I tend to zone in and block out distractions.
Note: This term suggests getting into a mental state where the outside world fades away, focusing solely on the task at hand.
Home in on
To focus on or target a specific area or topic for further understanding or resolution.
Example: We need to home in on the key issues affecting our project's progress.
Note: It implies honing in on a particular aspect or detail, striving for precision and clarity in one's focus.
Dial in
To adjust or refine one's focus, often to improve performance or accuracy.
Example: I need to dial in my concentration for this exam.
Note: It emphasizes the need for fine-tuning or adjusting the level of focus, similar to adjusting the settings on a dial.
Bear down
To exert intense effort or concentration on a task or goal.
Example: It's time to bear down and focus on meeting our deadlines.
Note: While 'focus' generally implies directing attention, 'bear down' adds a sense of increased effort and determination.
Focus - Examples
The camera's focus is sharp.
The main focus of the presentation was on the new product.
She needs to focus on her studies if she wants to pass the exam.
Focus grammar
Focus - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: focus
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): focuses, foci, focus
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): focus
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): focused, focussed
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): focused
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): focusing, focussing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): focuses, focusses
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): focus
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): focus
Syllables, Separation and Stress
focus Contains 2 syllables: fo • cus
Phonetic transcription: ˈfō-kəs
fo cus , ˈfō kəs (The red syllable is stressed)
Focus - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
focus: ~ 2200 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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