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Focal: meaning, definitions and examples

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focal

 

[ ˈfoʊkəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

central point

The term 'focal' refers to something that serves as a center of interest or activity. It is often used in both scientific contexts, such as optics, and general usage to describe an important or significant aspect of a situation. In photography, the focal point is the main subject that draws the viewer's attention. It can also pertain to the focus in mental processes or discussions, indicating what is currently relevant or essential.

Synonyms

central, core, important, main

Examples of usage

  • The focal point of the meeting was the new project proposal.
  • In the painting, the focal area draws the viewer's gaze immediately.
  • He adjusted the lens to ensure the image was in focal clarity.
  • The focal length of the lens determines how zoomed in the image appears.

Translations

Translations of the word "focal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 focal

🇮🇳 केंद्र

🇩🇪 fokal

🇮🇩 fokal

🇺🇦 фокальний

🇵🇱 fokalny

🇯🇵 焦点の

🇫🇷 focal

🇪🇸 focal

🇹🇷 odak

🇰🇷 초점의

🇸🇦 بؤري

🇨🇿 fokální

🇸🇰 fokálny

🇨🇳 焦点的

🇸🇮 fokalni

🇮🇸 miðpunktur

🇰🇿 фокальді

🇬🇪 ფოკალური

🇦🇿 fokal

🇲🇽 focal

Etymology

The word 'focal' originates from the Latin word 'focus,' which means 'hearth' or 'fireplace.' In classical times, the focus referred to the central point of a fire, where everything revolved around the heat and light it provided. The term made its way into English through the influence of both scientific developments in optics and the metaphorical usage in various fields, denoting a center or a point of convergence. Over time, 'focal' evolved to describe areas of importance or concentration in psychology, photography, and various scientific disciplines. Thus, while it retains its connection to the idea of a central place, 'focal' has broadened its application to encompass any idea or element that serves a pivotal role in a context.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,576 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.