Focus

/ˈfəʊ̯.kəs/ · noun

Meaning

(countable, optics) A point at which reflected or refracted rays of light converge..

Definitions by Sense

1. (countable, optics) A point at which reflected or refracted rays of light converge.
2. (countable, geometry) A point of a conic at which rays reflected from a curve or surface converge.
3. (uncountable, photography, cinematography) The fact of the convergence of light on the photographic medium.
4. (uncountable, photography, cinematography) The quality of the convergence of light on the photographic medium.
5. (uncountable) Concentration of attention.
6. (countable) Something to which activity, attention or interest is primarily directed.
7. (countable, seismology) The exact point of where an earthquake occurs, in three dimensions (underneath the epicentre).
8. (graphical user interface) The status of being the currently active element in a user interface, often indicated by a visual highlight.

Example Sentences

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.

Not long ago, it was difficult to produce photographs of tiny creatures with every part in focus.[…]A photo processing technique called focus stacking has changed that. Developed as a tool to electronically combine the sharpest bits of multiple digital images, focus stacking is a boon to biologists seeking full focus on a micron scale.

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.

My studies are my main focus right now.

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.

Synonyms for focus

Antonyms for focus

Related Words

Word Forms

• foci
• focuses
• focusses
• focusing
• focussing
• focused
• focussed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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