focus
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.