noun
Common
focusing
FOH-kuh-sihng
Focusing (noun) means the act of directing attention, effort, or a lens toward a particular point. Example: “Careful focusing of the camera gave us a sharp picture of the bird.”
noun
1
The act of directing attention, effort, or a lens toward a particular point.
"Careful focusing of the camera gave us a sharp picture of the bird."
"Her focusing on the exam, rather than the noise outside, helped her pass."
"Focusing on one task at a time made the project easier."
adj
1
Relating to the process of bringing something into focus.
"The old microscope has a small focusing knob on the side."
"A focusing screen helps the photographer see the exact area that will be sharp."
"The camera has a manual focusing ring."
How to use focusing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe process of concentrating attention, or adjusting a lens to make an image sharp.
UK vs US
American English typically spells this "focusing" (one S); British English also commonly uses "focussing."
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Synonyms
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Rhymes for focusing
See all rhymes for focusing →Frequently asked questions
What does “focusing” mean?
The word “focusing” means the act of directing attention, effort, or a lens toward a particular point. In plain terms, the process of concentrating attention, or adjusting a lens to make an image sharp.
How do you pronounce “focusing”?
“Focusing” is pronounced FOH-kuh-sihng (/ˈfoʊ.kə.sɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “focusing” in a sentence?
Here is “focusing” used in a sentence: “Focusing on one task at a time made the project easier.”
What part of speech is “focusing”?
Depending on how it is used, “focusing” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “focusing” a common word?
“Focusing” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “focusing” have?
“Focusing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of directing attention, effort, or a lens toward a particular point.
Is it spelled "focusing" or "focussing"?
Both spellings are accepted. "Focusing" with one "s" is standard in American English and is also widely used in British English, while "focussing" with a double "s" is a traditional British variant. The single-s form is the more common choice overall.
What preposition usually follows "focusing"?
"Focusing" is most often followed by "on," as in "focusing on the task." You direct attention or effort toward something by focusing on it; "focusing at" is not standard in this sense.
What is the difference between "focusing on" and "concentrating on"?
Both describe directing your attention to something, and they are often interchangeable. "Concentrating on" tends to stress sustained mental effort, while "focusing on" can also mean singling out one thing as a priority among several. In photography, "focusing" additionally means bringing an image into sharpness.
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