Focus Meaning
Focus Definition & Usage
The center of attention or activity; a point of concentration or emphasis.
Examples
- "Her focus was entirely on the book in front of her."
- "The focus of the meeting was to discuss the new marketing strategy."
- "The media's focus on the issue intensified after the scandal broke."
- "The team's focus shifted after the halftime break."
- "His focus on detail is one of his strongest traits."
To direct one's attention or concentration towards something.
Examples
- "She needed to focus more on her studies to pass the exam."
- "You must focus on the task at hand, not on distractions."
- "He struggled to focus during the meeting because of personal issues."
- "Please focus on the road while driving."
- "We need to focus our efforts on completing this project by the deadline."
In optics, the adjustment of a lens to make an image clear and sharp.
Examples
- "The photographer adjusted the focus of the camera before taking the picture."
- "The telescope's focus was off, making it hard to see the stars clearly."
- "Make sure the focus is correct before capturing the image."
- "The lens has an automatic focus feature for convenience."
- "He carefully adjusted the focus on his microscope to examine the specimen."
To adjust the lens of an optical instrument to ensure a clear image.
Examples
- "He focused the microscope to get a clearer view of the sample."
- "The camera automatically focuses when you press the shutter."
- "She had to focus the binoculars before spotting the bird."
- "Focus the lens until the image appears sharp and clear."
- "The technician focused the laser to make the measurements precise."
Cultural Context
The word 'focus' derives from the Latin word 'focus', meaning 'hearth' or 'fireplace'. It was later extended metaphorically to mean the center or point of activity, similar to how a hearth is the central point in a room. Today, the word is used in various contexts, from everyday speech to specialized technical and scientific fields.
The Lens of Focus
Story
The Lens of Focus
As Sarah adjusted her camera lens, she couldn't help but reflect on how much focus had shaped her life. It wasn't just about getting a sharp image; it was about clarity in every aspect. In her work as a photographer, focus was everything, whether it was adjusting the aperture to capture the perfect shot or directing her attention to the most important task at hand. The morning shoot was particularly tricky. Her model, Kate, was nervous. 'You need to focus,' Sarah said, trying to calm her, 'Just breathe and think about the pose, not the audience.' Kate nodded, but the nerves were still visible in her shaky hands. Meanwhile, Sarah was adjusting her own focus, quite literally. She twisted the lens, trying to get the perfect depth of field for a portrait shot. But even with the right technical focus, it was Kate's emotional focus that was key. 'Think of something that makes you happy,' Sarah encouraged, 'That'll help you relax.' As the session continued, Sarah's mind shifted to her upcoming exhibition. She had to focus on her editing to meet the deadline. The balance between her work as an artist and the demands of the commercial world often made it hard to maintain focus. At times, she felt like she was spreading herself too thin. Still, Sarah knew that success required unwavering attention to her work. Later that evening, as Sarah sat in front of her computer, adjusting the final images, she thought about how focus had shaped her life—not just in her work but in every decision she made. Whether it was choosing the right moments for her photos or deciding where to invest her time and energy, focus had been the key to clarity. In the end, Sarah's exhibition opened to rave reviews. The photos were clear, crisp, and full of life, much like the clarity Sarah had learned to embrace in her own path. It was clear that the art of focus was about more than just the lens—it was about life itself.
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