focused

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   giving all your attention and effort to one aim or task.

   Grammar: Often used after a linking verb: She is focused. It can also come before a noun: a focused student.

   Patterns

   • focused on something
   • stay focused
   • remain focused

   She stayed focused on her studies even with friends visiting.

   A focused team can finish the project on time.

   He is focused on getting a promotion this year.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   clear and specific, not general or vague.

   Grammar: Used before nouns like 'approach', 'strategy' or 'effort'.

   Patterns

   • a focused approach
   • a focused strategy
   • focused effort

   The company took a focused approach to solving the problem.

   We need a more focused plan for the next quarter.

   Her speech was focused and easy to follow.

Word forms

Common combinations

stay focused

It's hard to stay focused when you're tired.

focused on

The meeting was focused on cost savings.

keep someone focused

Good music helps keep me focused.

a focused approach

They took a focused approach to the redesign.

Synonyms and how they differ

concentrated

Suggests a lot of effort packed into a short time; 'focused' is more about steady attention.

attentive

Means paying close attention to someone or something; 'focused' often suggests a personal goal.

Opposites

Word family

focus verb

to give attention to one thing.

focus noun

the main point of attention or interest.

focused verb

past tense of 'focus'.

Practice

Make it your own

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

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