a focal point

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   The person or thing that everyone is most interested in or looking at.

   Grammar: Countable; use 'a' or 'the' and add 's' for the plural: two focal points.

   Patterns

   • the focal point of something
   • become the focal point
   • a focal point for something

   The tall clock tower is the focal point of the town square.

   Her speech became the focal point of the whole conference.

   The new bridge is a focal point for photographers.

2. 2nouncountabletechnicalphysics

   A point where light rays meet or seem to meet after passing through a lens or mirror.

   Grammar: Technical use; often appears as 'the focal point' with 'of a lens' or 'of a mirror'.

   Patterns

   • the focal point of a lens
   • the focal point of a mirror

   In a convex lens, the focal point is where parallel rays come together.

   The teacher showed how moving the screen changes the focal point.

Word forms

Common combinations

the focal point of attention

The singer was the focal point of attention at the party.

become the focal point

The old tree became the focal point of the garden.

main focal point

The fireplace is the main focal point of the living room.

a focal point for discussion

The report served as a focal point for discussion.

Synonyms and how they differ

center

Use 'center' for the middle of a physical space; 'focal point' stresses where attention goes.

focus

'Focus' can mean the main subject too, but it often refers to attention itself, not the thing.

highlight

'Highlight' is the most exciting or memorable part; 'focal point' is simply what people look at or notice most.

Word family

focus noun

The main subject or the act of paying attention.

focus verb

To direct attention or a camera lens toward something.

Commonly confused: a focal point or focal length?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a focal point”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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