ENGLISH
REFERENCE

focal

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfoʊkəɫ// UK //fˈəʊkəl// fo·cal Archaic

adj. describing the most important or central part of something. You use this to talk about the main point that everyone is looking at or thinking about.

adj. relating to the center or most important part of something; central. Often describes the point where light or sound waves meet, or the primary interest of a discussion.


SIMPLE

The focal point of the room is the large fireplace.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager made customer satisfaction the focal point of the new training program to improve the store's reputation.

COMPLEX

While the architect designed several impressive wings, the focal atrium remains the building's most significant achievement, drawing natural light into every floor through its expansive glass ceiling.

Origin

Learned borrowing from New Latin focālis. By surface analysis, focus + -al.

Usage

Typically precedes the noun it modifies; frequently appears in the fixed phrase 'focal point'.

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