focus
focus
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "focus" is /ˈfoʊkəs/.
foh /foʊ/:
/f/ as in "fun"
/oʊ/ as in "boat"
kəs /kəs/:
/k/ as in "cat"
/ə/ as in "sofa" (schwa sound)
/s/ as in "snake"
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: focus
Plural: focuses
Verb:
Base form: focus
Past tense: focused
Past participle: focused
Present participle: focusing
Third-person singular present: focuses
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: The central point of interest, attention, or activity.
Synonyms: epicenter, nucleus, core, heart, hub
Antonyms: periphery, margin, fringe, edge
Definition 2: A clear and distinct state of mental or visual perception.
Synonyms: clarity, sharpness, precision, definition
Antonyms: blur, fuzziness, haziness, distortion
Verb
Definition 1: To direct one's attention or efforts toward a specific aim or objective.
Synonyms: concentrate, zero in, pinpoint, hone in, channel
Antonyms: scatter, disperse, stray, wander, distract
Definition 2: To adjust a lens or eye to make an image clear.
Synonyms: sharpen, clarify, bring into view, adjust
Antonyms: blur, defocus, obscure, distort
Examples of Use
Books:
"His focus remained steadfast on the intricate details of the ancient map, oblivious to the storm raging outside." (From a historical fiction novel, specific title and author not provided for generality)
"The author shifted the narrative focus from the protagonist's internal struggles to the broader societal implications of her actions." (From literary criticism discussing a novel, specific title and author not provided for generality)
Newspapers:
"The government's new policy will focus on improving access to education in rural areas." (Daily Nation, 2025)
"Analysts believe the central bank's primary focus in the coming months will be curbing inflation." (Financial Times, 2025)
Online Publications:
"Tech companies continue to focus heavily on artificial intelligence research and development." (Wired.com,2025)
"Our latest article puts a focus on the evolving landscape of remote work and its impact on urban planning." (The Verge, 2025)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film Review: "While the film had a promising premise, its focus often drifted, leading to a disjointed viewing experience." (Rotten Tomatoes review, specific film not provided)
Documentary Narration: "The documentary's focus was narrow, exploring the life cycle of a single, rare butterfly species." (Netflix documentary, specific title not provided)
Video Game Dialogue: "Commander, our primary focus must be to defend the base. Do not deviate from that objective." (In-game dialogue from a strategy video game, specific game not provided)
Podcast Discussion: "Today, we're going to focus on the recent advancements in sustainable energy technologies." (Science-themed podcast, specific title not provided)
Social Media Post (Influencer): "My current focus is on developing new healthy recipes for my followers!" (Instagram post by a food blogger, 2025)
General Public Discourse:
"We need to focus on finding a solution, not just pointing fingers." (Heard in a community meeting discussing local issues, 2025)
"My main focus right now is finishing my degree." (Student speaking to a friend, July 1, 2025)
"The coach told us to maintain our focus throughout the entire game, even when we were behind." (Athlete recounting a game, 2025)
"Let's try to bring the discussion back into focus; we're getting off topic." (Moderator in a group discussion, 2025)
10 Famous Quotes Using Focus
"The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus." (Bruce Lee)
"What you focus on expands." (Jack Canfield)
"Always remember, your focus determines your reality." (George Lucas, from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace)
"Energy flows where attention goes." (Tony Robbins - metaphorical, but widely attributed and consistent with "focus")
"Concentration is the root of all the higher abilities in man." (Bruce Lee - synonymous with "focus")
"It's not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential." (Bruce Lee - implicitly about focus on the essential)
"I don't focus on what I'm up against. I focus on my goals and I try to ignore the rest." (Serena Williams)
"The ability to focus and to use your time well is everything." (Warren Buffett)
"Success is the ability to focus in one area and ignore all the other distractions." (Will Smith)
"The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." (William James - implies focus on what is important by disregarding the trivial)
Etymology
The word "focus" comes from the Latin word "focus," which originally meant "hearth" or "fireplace." Think of the central spot in an old home where the fire burned, providing warmth, light, and a place to gather. It was the heart of the home.
The first time "focus" started being used with a meaning closer to what we understand today was in the early 17th century (around the 1600s). The famous astronomer Johannes Kepler used it in a mathematical sense to describe a "point of convergence." He was talking about the point where light rays meet after passing through a lens, like how sunlight focused through a magnifying glass can create a hot, burning point – a literal "place of fire."
So, the idea of a "hearth" (the center of something, a gathering point) gradually evolved into the idea of a "point where things meet," especially in scientific contexts like optics and geometry. From there, it expanded to mean concentrating attention or effort, just like how light rays are concentrated to a single point.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Focus
To focus on: To direct attention or effort towards something.
In focus: Clear, sharp, or well-defined (especially visually).
Out of focus: Blurry, unclear, or undefined (especially visually).
Bring into focus: To make something clear or understandable; to clarify.
Lose focus: To become distracted or unable to concentrate.
Shift focus: To change the subject or area of attention.
Laser focus: Intense and unwavering concentration.
Keep your eye on the ball: (Idiom using synonym) To stay concentrated on the main goal.
Center of attention: (Phrase using synonym) The main point of interest or notice.
Hone in on: (Idiom using synonym) To direct attention or effort very precisely towards something.
Pinpoint attention: (Original phrase, similar to focus) To concentrate very specifically.
Sharpen one's concentration: (Lesser-known phrase using synonym) To improve one's ability to focus.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of focus from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
