focus
4 antonyms and opposites of focus, grouped by meaning.
Noun — The main center of attention, activity, or interest.
Antonyms
How to use focus
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Latin focus ("hearth, fireplace"). The astronomer Kepler introduced the scientific sense in the 1600s, using it for the points where light converges in an ellipse — the same idea a fireplace evokes as a gathering point.
Full origin of focus →Frequently asked questions
What does “focus” mean?
The word “focus” means the main center of attention, activity, or interest. In plain terms, the main thing you're paying attention to, or making something (a lens, your attention) sharp and clear.
How do you pronounce “focus”?
“Focus” is pronounced FOH-kuhs (/ˈfoʊ̯.kəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “focus” in a sentence?
Here is “focus” used in a sentence: “The focus of the meeting was next year's budget.”
What is another word for “focus”?
Words with a similar meaning to “focus” include adhere, align, anchor, apply, attend and base.
What is the opposite of “focus”?
The opposite of “focus” — its antonyms — are defocus, ignore, dilute and muddy.
What part of speech is “focus”?
Depending on how it is used, “focus” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “focus” come from?
The word “focus” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Latin.
Is “focus” a common word?
“Focus” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between focus and concentration?
Focus is the central point where attention is directed — the main thing everyone is paying attention to. Concentration is the mental effort of keeping your attention there over time. In short, focus is the target, and concentration is the sustained act of staying on it without being distracted.
What does it mean to be the focus of something?
To be the focus is to be the main center of attention or the most important element. If a person is the focus of a meeting, the discussion centers on them; if a topic is the focus of a report, everything else supports it. It is the point everything revolves around.
Can focus be improved?
Yes. In the sense of directed attention, focus can be strengthened with practice — setting clear goals, removing distractions, taking regular breaks, and working in short, deliberate sessions. Sleep and exercise help too. While some people focus more easily than others, concentrating on one thing is a skill you can build.
What is the opposite of focus?
The opposite depends on the sense. As a center of attention, its opposite is a distraction or a side issue. As mental concentration, opposites include distraction, absent-mindedness, or a scattered, unfocused state. To 'lose focus' means to let your attention drift away from the main thing.