Difference Between Focus and Concentration

Main Difference – Focus vs Concentration

Focus and concentration are two words that refer to our attention. Thus, these two words can be used interchangeably in some instances. However, focus and concentration cannot always be used interchangeably owing to the fact that these words also possess other different meanings. In addition, there is also a difference between focus and concentration that limits their interchangeability. The main difference between focus and concentration is that focus is a noun and a verb whereas concentration is only a noun.

1. What Does Focus Mean? – Grammar, Meaning, Usage and Examples

2. What Does Concentration Mean? – Grammar, Meaning, Usage and Examples

3. Difference Between Focus and Concentration

What Does Focus Mean

Focus can be used as a noun and a verb. Both the noun and the verb also have a variety of meanings in different contexts. Let’s look at some of these meanings with examples.

Focus as a Noun,

1. Center of interest or activity

He waited while everyone’s focus was on the stage.

Environment pollution was the focus of their work.

2. Close or narrow attention

His entire focus was on breathing.

Their intense focus on customer requirements was much appreciated.

3. State or quality of having or producing clear visual definition

Your face is out of focus.

Everything blurred out of focus, and the room started rotating.

Focus as a Verb,

4. Adapt to the prevailing level of light and become able to see clearly

The camera focused on the actor’s face.

He focused his eyes on her face.

5. Pay attention to

Try to focus on your studies.

The research will focus on a number of issues.

What Does Concentration Mean

Concentration is the noun of the verb concentrate. It is defined by the Merriam-Webster as “the ability to give your attention or thought to a single object or activity” and the Oxford dictionary defines it as “the action or power of focusing all one’s attention.” As seen by these definitions, the meaning of concentration is somewhat similar to a meaning of focus. Thus, it can be used interchangeably with focus when it is used to refer to close and narrow attention. For example,

The loud bang disturbed my concentration.

It’s easy to lose your concentration when you are sleepy.

This task will test your attention and concentration.

Yoga can help you to improve your concentration.

Replacing concentration with focus in the above examples will not distort their meanings although some sentences might sound awkward.

Moreover, concentration can also have some other different meanings. Concentration can also refer to a large amount of something in one place. For example,

There is a concentration of wealth in the towns.

This region has the greatest concentration of sea birds.