Concentration: meaning, definitions and examples

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concentration

 

[ ˌkɒnsənˈtreɪʃən ]

Context #1 | Noun

mental focus

Concentration is the ability to focus on a particular task or activity without being distracted. It involves directing your mental energy towards a specific goal or objective.

Synonyms

attention, engagement, focus, focus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
concentration

It is used when referring to the ability to direct all your effort and attention to one specific task or activity. It can be used in academic, professional, and personal contexts.

  • Proper concentration is essential when studying for exams.
  • Her concentration was broken by the loud noise outside.
focus

This term is specifically used to denote the central point of interest or activity. It implies a more finite direction of mental or visual effort and is commonly utilized in both professional and personal contexts.

  • She needs to focus on her health right now.
  • The focus of today's meeting is the new project launch.
attention

It is used to describe the act of focusing your listening, thinking, or watching on something or someone. This term is broad and can be applied in various settings including educational, social, and professional scenarios.

  • The teacher asked for the students' attention before starting the lesson.
  • His attention to detail is what makes his work so exceptional.
engagement

This word is used when describing active participation or involvement in an activity or event. It's often used in contexts of social, workplace, or educational interactions.

  • Employee engagement is crucial for team success.
  • Her engagement in class discussions has improved significantly.

Examples of usage

  • Studying requires a lot of concentration.
  • She meditated to improve her concentration.
  • Concentration is key to achieving success.
  • His concentration wavered as he kept checking his phone.
  • Without concentration, it's hard to complete complex tasks.
Context #2 | Noun

chemistry

In chemistry, concentration refers to the amount of a substance in a given volume of solution. It is usually measured in moles per liter (mol/L) or other units such as percent by mass.

Synonyms

density, intensity, purity, strength.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
concentration

Refers to the amount of a substance within a certain volume or area, often used in scientific contexts.

  • The concentration of salt in the solution is too high
  • She lost her concentration due to the loud noise
density

Describes how much mass is contained in a given volume. Commonly used in physics, engineering, and population studies.

  • The density of the metal makes it very strong
  • This city has a high population density
strength

Describes physical power, effectiveness, or the intensity of an attribute or emotion. Can refer to both physical and abstract concepts.

  • He showed remarkable strength during the competition
  • The strength of the argument convinced everyone
purity

Refers to the state of being pure, without any contamination or mixture. Often used in contexts involving substances like metals, chemicals, or ideals.

  • The purity of the gold ensures its high value
  • The purity of her motives cannot be questioned
intensity

Indicates the strength, force, or degree of something, often related to emotions, light, or physical activities.

  • The intensity of the workout left her exhausted
  • The intensity of his feelings surprised everyone

Examples of usage

  • The concentration of salt in the solution was too high.
  • Chemists need to calculate the concentration of reactants in a solution.
  • A high concentration of sugar can make a solution sweet.
  • The concentration of pollutants in the water was alarming.
  • The concentration of the drug in the blood was monitored closely.

Translations

Translations of the word "concentration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 concentração

🇮🇳 संकेंद्रण

🇩🇪 Konzentration

🇮🇩 konsentrasi

🇺🇦 концентрація

🇵🇱 koncentracja

🇯🇵 集中

🇫🇷 concentration

🇪🇸 concentración

🇹🇷 konsantrasyon

🇰🇷 집중

🇸🇦 تركيز

🇨🇿 koncentrace

🇸🇰 koncentrácia

🇨🇳 集中

🇸🇮 koncentracija

🇮🇸 einbeiting

🇰🇿 концентрация

🇬🇪 კონცენტრაცია

🇦🇿 konsentrasiya

🇲🇽 concentración

Etymology

The word 'concentration' originated from the Latin word 'concentrare', which means 'to bring together'. The term has been used in various contexts throughout history, from alchemy to psychology. In the 19th century, it became commonly associated with mental focus and attention. Today, concentration is considered a vital skill in many aspects of life, including education, work, and sports.

See also: concentrated.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,345, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.