the person, thing, or activity that people give most of their attention to
This year, the charity’s main focus is building new wells for the village.
During the meeting, everyone kept their focus on finding a quick solution.
✦ From Latin focus “hearth, fireplace,” later “center of activity.”
the ability to think clearly or see something sharply without distraction
Listening to soft music helps her regain focus while studying.
After a short walk, he returned to work with renewed focus.
to give all your attention and effort to one particular activity, subject, or problem
The students focus hard when the exam begins.
She needs to focus on finishing her science project tonight.
to adjust a camera, microscope, or other device so that the image becomes clear
Please focus the camera before you take the picture.
The scientist carefully focused the microscope to see the cells clearly.
(physics) the exact point where rays of light, heat, or sound meet after being bent or reflected
A magnifying glass brings sunlight to a single focus, making paper smoke.
In a satellite dish, waves bounce toward the receiver at the focus.
(geology) the place beneath Earth’s surface where an earthquake starts
Scientists located the earthquake’s focus ten kilometers below the city.
The depth of the focus affects how strongly people feel the shaking.
