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to refocus

to refocus

23 3.9
Adjust something so it is clear or pay attention to something again
  • verb
  • /ˌriːˈfoʊkəs/
translation icon : reenfocar
  • So I try to get people to refocus on just getting more activity throughout your day.
  • refocus attention
  • refocus efforts
  • refocus the discussion

That's the name of the game as data rolls in and we refocus our aim.

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Examples

  • She decided to refocus on her studies after a long break from school.

  • Once the dust had settled after the election, attention began to refocus on the new administration's policy agenda.

    Academic text (2005)
  • And I need to refocus back on school.

  • But these banks should refocus on their traditional goals of economic and social development.

    Academic text (2000)
  • But it's like I just go through waves where I just need to like take a step back and refocus my attention and my energy.

  • And the truth is we have to constantly refocus ourselves.

  • The workshops helped individuals see the more positive side of the situation and refocus their goals both personally and professionally.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Spring is a time to refocus, clear out the cobwebs, and make moves to become your best self.

  • President Obama, as you know, is drawing down troops in Iraq to refocus our attention on Afghanistan.

  • Resulting program stabilization has given the staff an opportunity to refocus on the center's priorities.

    Academic text (2007)

Synonyms

to focus
vsto refocus
2.6

To direct attention or thoughts toward something specific

emphasizes doing this again to restore clear attention or aim
to focus on
vsto refocus
2.0

Give most attention and effort to one person or task

adds the idea of returning or readjusting that attention after it wandered
to concentrate
vsto refocus
561 3.4

To give all your attention to one thing

adds the aspect of adjusting attention back after it has wandered
to concentrate on
vsto refocus
279 3.1

Give your full attention to one activity or subject

differs by stressing the act of returning and sharpening that attention
to renew
vsto refocus
94 3.7

Start again after a pause, often a relationship or activity

is about specifically restoring clear attention or sight rather than general renewal
to settle on
vsto refocus
55 3.1

To fix your eyes or attention on one thing

involves actively restoring clear focus or viewpoint to that point
to readjust
vsto refocus
22 3.8

Change something or yourself again to fit a new situation

specifically restores clear attention or alignment rather than general adjustment
to reorient
vsto refocus
8 5.6

To change the direction or main focus of something

means restoring previous attention or visual clarity rather than making a new direction
to rededicate
vsto refocus
7 5.9

To start giving time and effort to something again with new commitment

concerns bringing attention back rather than pledging stronger commitment
to recalibrate
vsto refocus
7 6.5

Change a plan or attitude to fit new information

focuses instead on returning attention or clarity to the original aim
to reemphasize
vsto refocus
  • US
3 4.4

To say again that something is important

focuses on renewing clarity of attention rather than merely stressing importance
to reapply
vsto refocus
1 3.6

Give your attention or effort to something again after a break

returns attention by adjusting clarity or aim rather than only restarting effort
to recenter
vsto refocus
  • US
1 5.1

To change focus back to the main subject or goal

does this by restoring clear attention or visual alignment to it
to refresh my mind
vsto refocus
1 3.4

To clear your head after feeling tired or distracted

restores clear attention or aim rather than only relieving tiredness
to reconcentrate
vsto refocus
8.1

To focus again after being distracted

brings attention back by adjusting focus or clarity rather than only concentrating
to reorientate
vsto refocus
  • UK
6.3

To adjust direction or focus after a change

is about bringing attention or view back into clear shape specifically
to sharpen focus
vsto refocus
4.0

To make your attention clearer and stronger

often restores clarity after distraction rather than only increasing intensity
to focalize
vsto refocus
  • Specialized
8.4

To change a lens so an image becomes clear

applies this idea to both vision and returning mental attention

Antonyms

513 2.1

To make someone stop paying attention to what they are doing or thinking about

How Focused

to concentrate
561 3.4
to refocus
23 3.9
to notice
1.0
to drift
331 2.9

Surface Forms

refocus infinitive
refocused past
refocused past participle
refocusing present participle
refocuses third person singular

Morphology

refocus = focus (transparent) = re + focus

The meaning is a straightforward repetition of the action of 'focus', both in the literal and figurative senses.

Etymology

Refocus starts with re- meaning 'again' and the familiar word focus, which means 'the central point' or 'where attention is.' So, to refocus is to make that point or your attention clear 'again'—like a camera lens becoming sharp or a person paying attention after a break.