focus

(noun, verb)

noun

1. the concentration of attention or energy on something

- the focus of activity shifted to molecular biology

Similar word(s): centering, direction, focusing, focussing

Definition categories: thought, absorption, concentration, engrossment, immersion

2. maximum clarity or distinctness of an image rendered by an optical system

- in focus

- out of focus

Definition categories: attribute, distinctness, sharpness

3. maximum clarity or distinctness of an idea

- the controversy brought clearly into focus an important difference of opinion

Definition categories: attribute, clarity, clearness, limpidity, lucidity, lucidness, pellucidity

4. a central point or locus of an infection in an organism

- the focus of infection

Similar word(s): nidus

Definition categories: state, point

5. special emphasis attached to something

Similar word(s): stress

Definition categories: state, accent, emphasis

6. a point of convergence of light (or other radiation) or a point from which it diverges

Definition categories: phenomenon, point

7. a fixed reference point on the concave side of a conic section

Definition categories: location, point

Sentences with focus as a noun:

- The heat of sunlight at the focus of a magnifying glass can easily set dry leaves on fire.

- Unfortunately, the license plate is out of focus in this image.

- During this scene, the boy’s face shifts subtly from soft focus into sharp focus.

- I believe I can bring the high degree of focus required for this important job.

- The earthquake's focus was at exactly 37 degrees north, 18 degrees south, seventy five meters below the ground.

- Text entered at the keyboard or pasted from a clipboard is sent to the component which currently has the focus.

verb

1. direct one's attention on something

- Please focus on your studies and not on your hobbies

Similar word(s): center, centre, concentrate, pore, rivet

Definition categories: cognition, cerebrate, cogitate, think

2. cause to converge on or toward a central point

- Focus the light on this image

Definition categories: perception, sharpen

3. bring into focus or alignment; to converge or cause to converge; of ideas or emotions

Similar word(s): concenter, concentre, focalise, focalize

Definition categories: cognition, adjust, align, aline

4. become focussed or come into focus

- The light focused

Similar word(s): focalise, focalize

Definition categories: change, adapt, adjust, conform

5. put (an image) into focus

- Please focus the image; we cannot enjoy the movie

Similar word(s): focalise, focalize, sharpen

Definition categories: change, adjust, correct, set

Sentences with focus as a verb:

- You'll need to focus the microscope carefully in order to capture the full detail of this surface.

- Focus on passing the test.

- If you're going to beat your competitors, you need to focus.

- The text box won't receive the user's keystrokes unless you explicitly focus it.