Focussed vs. Focused: Decoding the Right Spelling
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on December 25, 2023
"Focussed is an incorrect spelling, while Focused is correct; Focused refers to being concentrated and attentive to a specific task or detail."
Which is correct: Focussed or Focused
How to spell Focused?
Focussed is Incorrect
Focused is Correct
How to remember correct spelling of Focused?
Remember that "Focused" has one 's', similar to how a lens has one focus point.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Visualize the word "Focused" as a sharp image, sharp like its single 's'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Associate "Focused" with "One" - one task, one 's'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Use the mnemonic: "Fully Occupied Concentrating, Undistracted, Single-minded, Efficient, Determined" to remember the spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Think of "cused" in "Focused" as "used", which is also spelled with one 's'.
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Dec 25, 2023
Focused Definitions
Directing all attention or effort to a specific task or goal.
She remained focused on her exam preparations.
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Dec 12, 2023
Displaying firmness and intent towards achieving something.
Despite distractions, he stayed focused on his goal.
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Dec 12, 2023
Having clarity or distinctness in thought or vision.
The photographer adjusted the lens for a focused image.
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Dec 12, 2023
The distinctness or clarity of an image rendered by an optical system.
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Oct 19, 2023
The state of maximum distinctness or clarity of such an image
In focus.
Out of focus.
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Oct 19, 2023
An apparatus used to adjust the focal length of an optical system in order to make an image distinct or clear
A camera with automatic focus.
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Oct 19, 2023
A point at which rays of light or other radiation converge or from which they appear to diverge, as after refraction or reflection in an optical system
The focus of a lens. Also called focal point.
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Oct 19, 2023
See focal length.
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Oct 19, 2023
A center of interest or activity
"Precisely how diet affects E. coli in livestock is the focus of current research" (Cindy Engel).
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Oct 19, 2023
Close or narrow attention; concentration
"He was forever taken aback by [New York's] pervasive atmosphere of purposefulness—the tight focus of its drivers, the brisk intensity of its pedestrians" (Anne Tyler).
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Oct 19, 2023
A condition in which something can be clearly apprehended or perceived
Couldn't get the problem into focus.
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Oct 19, 2023
(Medicine) The region of a localized bodily infection or disease.
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Oct 19, 2023
(Geology) The point of origin of an earthquake.
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Oct 19, 2023
(Mathematics) A fixed point whose relationship with a directrix determines a conic section.
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Oct 19, 2023
To cause (light rays, for example) to converge on or toward a central point; concentrate.
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Oct 19, 2023
To render (an object or image) in clear outline or sharp detail by adjustment of one's vision or an optical device; bring into focus.
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Oct 19, 2023
To adjust (a lens, for example) to produce a clear image.
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Oct 19, 2023
To direct toward a particular point or purpose
Focused all their attention on finding a solution to the problem.
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Oct 19, 2023
To converge on or toward a central point of focus; be focused.
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Oct 19, 2023
To adjust one's vision or an optical device so as to render a clear, distinct image.
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Oct 19, 2023
To concentrate attention or energy
A campaign that focused on economic issues.
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Oct 19, 2023
Directing all one's efforts towards achieving a particular goal.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dealing with some narrowly defined aspects of a broader phenomenon.
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Oct 19, 2023
Simple past tense and past participle of focus
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Oct 19, 2023
Being in focus or brought into focus; clearly delineated; - of an image. Opposite of unfocused.
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Oct 19, 2023
Converging on a point; - of light rays; as, focused light rays can set something afire.
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Oct 19, 2023
Concentrated on or clustered around a central point or purpose.
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Oct 19, 2023
Of an optical system (e.g. eye or opera glasses) adjusted to produce a clear image
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Oct 19, 2023
Being in focus or brought into focus
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Oct 19, 2023
(of light rays) converging on a point;
Focused light rays can set something afire
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Oct 19, 2023
Concentrated on or clustered around a central point or purpose
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Oct 19, 2023
Emphasizing on specific areas or objectives over others.
His focused study plan covered essential topics first.
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Dec 12, 2023
Being deeply involved or absorbed in an activity or subject.
She was so focused on her painting that time flew by.
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Dec 12, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "Focused" be used in different grammatical forms?
Yes, "Focused" can be an adjective (a focused student) or the past tense of the verb "focus" (He focused on his work).
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Does "Focussed" have a different meaning from "Focused"?
No, "Focussed" and "Focused" mean the same, but "Focussed" is the less preferred spelling in American English.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
What part of speech does "Focused" belong to?
"Focused" is primarily an adjective but can also function as the past tense of the verb "focus".
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
How can understanding the etymology of "Focused" help in spelling it correctly?
Knowing that "Focused" comes from "focus", a word with one 's', can remind users to use only one 's' in "Focused".
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
What are some synonyms of "Focused"?
Synonyms include concentrated, attentive, absorbed, and engrossed.
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Dec 25, 2023
What is the origin of the word "Focused"?
Focused originates from the Latin word "focus" meaning "hearth, fireplace", metaphorically representing a point where things converge or are concentrated.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Is the pronunciation of "Focussed" and "Focused" different?
No, both are pronounced the same way, which can sometimes lead to confusion in spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Are there any common phrases or idioms using the word "Focused"?
Yes, phrases like "stay focused" or "focused approach" are commonly used, emphasizing concentration and attention.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
How does the usage of "Focused" differ in casual vs. formal contexts?
In casual contexts, "Focused" is often used loosely to describe general concentration, while in formal writing, it’s used more precisely.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
How does the meaning of "Focused" change in different contexts?
The meaning of "Focused" adjusts slightly based on context, from concentration in tasks to clarity in images or thoughts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the word "Focused"?
Common mistakes include misspelling it as "Focussed", mispronouncing it, or using it inappropriately in different grammatical forms.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Why is it important to use the correct spelling "Focused" in professional writing?
Using the correct spelling ensures clarity, professionalism, and adherence to standard American English conventions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Can "Focused" be used figuratively?
Yes, it can be used figuratively to describe someone intensely concentrated on non-physical tasks, like planning.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.