easy
Focus on the clue that changes between the two sentences.
What does Focus mean?
Focus means close attention or a main point; to focus is to direct attention or make an image clear.
Dictionary definition
Focus means close attention or the main center of interest; it also means direct attention toward something, adjust eyes or a lens to make an image clear, or bring rays or waves together at a point. In earth science, an earthquake's focus is the place below the surface where rupture begins.
Example sentences
Focus in a sentence
easy
The main focus of our discussion was water conservation.
medium
Rina focused the microscope until the cells looked sharp.
medium
A convex lens can focus light at a point.
hard
The earthquake began at a focus below Earth's surface, not at the epicenter above it.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Focus
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does focus mean in 'The focus of the report is clean water' ?
Here, focus means the central subject receiving attention.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses focus in an optics sense?
The binoculars are adjusted so the image becomes clear.
Practice 3
Choose the best word: The point below the ground where an earthquake starts is its ____.
The focus, also called the hypocenter, is below the surface; the epicenter is directly above it.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Focus
Voice settings
Sounds like
foh · kus · strongest beat: foh
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordFocus.
Partnoun, verb.
MeaningFocus means close attention or a main point; to focus is to direct attention or make an image clear.
ExampleExample: Focus on the clue that changes between the two sentences.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- foh · kus
- Strongest beat
- foh
- Ending
- kus
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on foh.
Your turn
Say Focus
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Nice work—you practiced focus.
Synonyms
Words like Focus
concentrateClose as a verb when focus means direct mental attention or effort toward one thing.
attentionClose as a noun when focus means careful mental attention.
centerClose when focus means the main point of interest or activity.
Antonym review
Does Focus have an opposite?
Focus has attention, optics, geometry, and earth-science senses, so it has no single precise opposite. Distraction contrasts with mental focus, while blur and out of focus contrast with image clarity.
Synonym practice
Want to practice focus synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Please concentrate during the spelling round," then compare close word choices. Practice focus synonyms.
Word family
Focus word family
Base word
focus
noun
focuses
The common plural noun; focuses is also the present-tense verb used with he, she, or it.
noun
foci
A formal plural of focus, common in technical writing.
adjective
focused
Directed toward one point or giving steady attention; focused is also a verb form, and focussed is an accepted variant.
verb
focusing
Directing attention or adjusting for a clear image; focussing is an accepted variant.
adjective
focal
Relating to a focus or central point.
verb
refocus
To focus again or direct attention toward something new.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Focus
Hint for students
Look for a main point: attention can be directed there, an image can become clear there, rays can meet there, or an earthquake can begin there.
Common mix-up
An earthquake's focus is below Earth's surface. Its epicenter is the point on the surface directly above the focus.
Try it in class or at home
Set up four cards labeled attention, main subject, clear image, and earthquake origin. Read a focus sentence aloud and have students choose the matching sense and underline the context clue.
Teacher prompt
Compare mental focus, the focus of a lesson, a camera in focus, and an earthquake focus. What central idea connects these uses?
Word Wheel
Practice with the School Words Wheel
This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Focus and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice FOCUS” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
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Sentence Builder
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