focus
/ˈfoʊ̯.kəs/ verb A1- To cause (rays of light, etc) to converge at a single point.
- To adjust (a lens, an optical instrument) in order to position an image with respect to the focal plane. · You'll need to focus the microscope carefully in order to capture the full detail of this surface.
- To adjust itself or be adjusted such that light from a scene converges appropriately to create a clear image. · I can't get the lens to focus.· The camera focuses automatically on the subject's eyes.
- To direct attention, effort, or energy to a particular audience or task. · The president focused her remarks on the newcomers.
- To concentrate one’s attention. · If you're going to beat your competitors, you need to focus.
- To concentrate one's attention on something; to have as one's central point of interest, concern, etc. · I have to focus on my work.
- To transfer the input focus to (a visual element), so that it receives subsequent input. · The text box won't receive the user's keystrokes unless you explicitly focus it.
- To aggregate figures of accounts.
He/she/it focuses · Past focused · Past participle focused · -ing form focusing
Verb forms
- Base form
- focus
- He/she/it
- focuses
- Past
- focused
- Past participle
- focused
- -ing form
- focusing
From the library
Captivity has brought my mental faculties to a focus; and you are well aware that from the collision of clouds electricity is produced—from electricity, lightning, from lightning, illumination.”
As I focus my mind upon it, it seems rather less impenetrable.
We will suppose that a minister needs information as to a point which involves the Navy, India, Canada and the bimetallic question; he could get his separate advices from various departments upon each, but only Mycroft can focus them all, and say offhand how each factor would affect the other.
Philosophers may well say, and practical men will always support the opinion, that money mitigates many trials; and if you admit the efficacy of this sovereign balm, you ought to be very easily consoled—you, the king of finance, the focus of immeasurable power.”
Other matches
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