Reading Theme:
Focus: Definition, Usage & Examples in English (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：concentrate on (focus)
focus
/ˈfoʊ.kəs/
v./n.
To pay all your attention to one thing and not think about anything else.
concentrate on
➕
/ˈkɒn.sən.treɪt ɒn/
v./n.
To direct all your attention towards a single thing, excluding other distractions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'focus' meaning hearth or fireplace,引申为 central point.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a camera lens focusing to make one object sharp and clear.
📖 Example
It’s hard to focus on my book when my roommate is playing loud music.
It is difficult to concentrate on my book due to the loud music played by my roommate.
🔗 Collocations
focus on – to direct attention towards something
lose focus – to become distracted
sharp focus – clear and distinct attention
🔄 Synonyms
concentrate (v.) – to direct one's attention or efforts towards a particular object or activity
center (v.) – to focus on a central point
fixate (v.) – to focus one's eyes or attention on something
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'focus' entered English in the 17th century from Latin, where it meant 'fireplace'. It was adopted in optics for the convergence point of light, and later extended to mean center of attention.
Meaning 2：central point (focus)
focus
/ˈfoʊ.kəs/
v./n.
The main thing, person, or idea that people are interested in or paying attention to.
central point
➕
/ˈsen.trəl pɔɪnt/
v./n.
The main thing, person, or idea that is the center of interest or attention.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The main focus of the company meeting was how to improve customer service.
The primary topic of the company meeting was improving customer service.
🔗 Collocations
main focus – the primary center of attention
shift focus – to change the center of attention
in focus – clearly defined or understood
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
periphery (n.) – the outer edge of an area
distraction (n.) – something that diverts attention
Wordbook
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