# focus

/ˈfoʊkəs/ (US) · /fˈəʊkəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/focus
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. attention

noun · CEFR A2

the main thing that people are paying attention to.

For teachers: the central point of attention, activity, or interest. Often used with 'of' to indicate the subject.

- The main focus of the meeting was how to save money this year.
- The primary focus of the research shifted from urban development to the environmental impact of suburban sprawl over the last decade.

### 2. clear image

noun · CEFR B1

the state of an image being sharp and clear, especially in a photo.

For teachers: the state of maximum clarity of an image, achieved when light rays converge correctly on a surface.

- The background of the photo is blurry, but the flower is in focus.
- The photographer struggled to maintain focus on the moving subject while using a wide aperture in low-light conditions.

### 3. active window

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the part of a computer screen that is currently active or selected.

For teachers: the status of being the currently active element in a user interface, typically receiving keyboard or mouse input.

- Click on the text box to give it focus so you can start typing.
- The application failed to return focus to the main window after the dialogue box was dismissed, frustrating the user.

### 4. to concentrate

verb · CEFR A2

to give all your attention to one particular thing.

For teachers: to direct one's attention, effort, or energy toward a specific task or subject. Intransitive uses typically require the preposition 'on'.

- It is hard to focus on my work when the room is so noisy.
- The marketing team decided to focus on digital platforms rather than traditional print media to reach a younger demographic.

Usage: Usually takes the preposition 'on'.

### 5. to adjust a lens

verb · CEFR B1

to move a lens so that you can see an image clearly.

For teachers: to adjust the focal length of an optical device to produce a sharp image.

- He turned the ring on the camera to focus on the bird in the tree.
- Modern autofocus systems can focus on a subject's eyes almost instantly, even when the person is moving through the frame.

## Examples

- The main focus of the meeting is the new budget.
- The photographer adjusted the lens until the subject's eyes were in sharp focus against the blurred background.
- While the initial report touched on several minor issues, the primary focus remains the structural integrity of the bridge and the immediate safety of commuters.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.