focal point

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   The thing or place that people notice first or that attracts most attention or activity.

   Grammar: Often followed by of or for: the focal point of the room.

   Patterns

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

   The fireplace is the focal point of the living room.

   The town square became the focal point for the protests.

   The huge painting acts as a focal point in the gallery.

2. 2nouncountablephysicstechnical

   In physics, the spot where light rays meet after passing through a lens or bouncing off a curved mirror.

   Grammar: Technical sense; also called a focus.

   Patterns

   • the focal point of a lens

   The lens bends the rays toward its focal point.

   A burning glass concentrates sunlight at a focal point.

   Moving the screen to the focal point makes the image sharp.

3. 3nouncountablefigurative

   The main subject or issue that discussion or effort is centered on.

   Grammar: Often figurative, as in the focal point of a debate.

   Patterns

   • the focal point of something

   Affordable housing was the focal point of the debate.

   The new policy became the focal point of the meeting.

   Safety is the focal point of the training course.

Word forms

Common combinations

the focal point of the room

A large window is the focal point of the room.

become a focal point

The stadium became a focal point for the whole city.

serve as a focal point

The sculpture serves as a focal point in the garden.

main focal point

The main focal point of the photo is the old tree.

create a focal point

Designers create a focal point with a bold color.

focal point of attention

The speaker was the focal point of attention.

Synonyms and how they differ

centerpiece

A centerpiece is the main item in a display, whereas a focal point is wherever the eye or attention goes.

focus

Focus is shorter and more general, but a focal point implies a definite place or object.

hub

A hub is a center of activity or connections, not necessarily of attention.

highlight

A highlight is the best moment or feature, while a focal point is the main center of interest.

Opposites

Word family

focus noun

the center of attention or the point of sharp sight

focus verb

to direct attention or adjust a lens

focal adjective

relating to a focus

refocus verb

to focus again or change the focus

Commonly confused: focal point or vocal point? focal point or focus group?

Practice

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

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