focus
FOH-kuhs
Focus (noun) means the main center of attention, activity, or interest. Example: “The main focus of this week's lesson is writing clear sentences.”
noun
1
The main center of attention, activity, or interest.
"The main focus of this week's lesson is writing clear sentences."
"The focus of the meeting was next year's budget."
"Her focus shifted from painting to sculpture in her thirties."
2
The point at which light rays or an image converge to appear sharp, especially in photography or optics.
"The photo was slightly out of focus."
"Turn the ring slowly until the focus on the flower looks crisp."
"The camera lost focus when the bird suddenly flew past."
verb
1
To direct one's attention or effort toward something specific.
"I find it hard to focus when the television is on."
"She tried to focus on her homework despite the noise outside."
"The company decided to focus on its core products."
2
To adjust a lens or the eye so that an image appears sharp.
"She waited for the camera to focus before pressing the button."
"Slowly the binoculars focused, and the distant ship became clear."
"He focused the camera before taking the shot."
How to use focus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe main thing you're paying attention to, or making something (a lens, your attention) sharp and clear.
Memory tip
If you can't concentrate, people say you're "losing focus" or you need to "focus up."
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
focus on
lose focus
the focus of attention
come into focus
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Word forms
- Plural
- foci, focuses, focusses
- Third person singular
- focuses, focusses
- Past tense
- focused, focussed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The main _____ of this week's lesson is writing clear sentences.
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.
Class of 1600
focus joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Synonyms
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focal point
heart
hub
core
emphasis
concentration
attention
concentrate
center
pore
sharpen
concenter
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for focus
See all rhymes for 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.
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