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focus

focus

794 3.5
Close attention to one subject or activity
  • noun
  • /ˈfoʊkəs/
translation icon : enfoque
  • The teacher asked the students to put their focus on the important concepts for the upcoming exam.
  • primary focus
  • main focus
  • focus of attention

Another key theme is the focus on committing oneself.

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Examples

  • One reason for this finding may be found in the focus of the coaching sessions.

    Academic text (2015)
  • ADHD reduces the ability to maintain focus and attention on language in the environment.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Why would you put your focus on class like that?

  • Keep your focus where it needs to be, yeah?

  • Her academic work has a dual focus India and America.

  • The bigger problem is that the length and focus of the training program may be inadequate.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Research studies and policies provide the impetus for an enhanced focus on early childhood mathematics.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Donna also completes multiple practice sessions with a focus on quickly forming her newly learned letters.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Participants reported goal setting and the focus on learning strategies and strengths as strengths of PSP.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Although I know your focus was on California... I think there's no reason why something like this couldn't be implemented nationwide.

Synonyms

attention
vsfocus
1.6

A careful focus on something to notice or think about it

includes both the act of noticing and stressing importance
emphasis
vsfocus
296 3.1

Attention that makes something stand out

expresses importance but not the mental concentration aspect
concentration
vsfocus
122 3.3

The ability to give all your attention to something

also covers giving importance to a subject not only mental effort
focal point
vsfocus
30 3.7

The main person, thing, or idea that gets most attention

refers more to the act of emphasis rather than the single object
center of attention
vsfocus
  • Informal
29 3.2

A person or thing people notice most in a group

is broader, covering notice and importance beyond social spotlight
stress
vsfocus
13 3.2

Extra attention to a particular point or idea

means importance too but is used more for points than actions

Antonyms

234 2.9

Something that takes your attention away from what you are doing

71 4.6

Lack of interest or concern about something

Idioms

18 3.3

Clear and easy to see or understand when people pay attention to it

Compounds

Strong, steady attention that shows determination

How Focused

absorption
5 4.9
concentration
122 3.3
focus
794 3.5
attention
1.6
interest
1.0
awareness
336 3.2

Surface Forms

focus singular
focuses plural
foci plural

Etymology

Focus comes from an old Latin word focus meaning 'hearth' or 'fireplace', the place where people would gather and pay attention. So to have focus is to bring your thoughts to the same 'center', like everyone turning toward the warm fire.