Focussed vs. Focused — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 20, 2024
"Focussed" is accepted in British English, while "Focused," signifying maintaining clear, pointed attention, is standard in American English.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Focussed or Focused
How to spell Focused?
Focussed
Incorrect Spelling
Focused
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
American English often prefers shorter forms; hence, it uses one "s" unlike British English.
Recall "Focused" by linking it with "One" - both words have a single 's.'
Recognizing "Focused" as a commonly used spelling globally may aid in retaining its spelling.
Associate the word "Focused" with similar words like "Blessed" which also don’t double the consonant.
Since "Focus" has one 's,' keeping the same amount when making "Focused" can also be a trick.
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How Do You Spell Focused Correctly?
Incorrect: Focussed on the task, she didn't hear the doorbell.
Correct: Focused on the task, she didn't hear the doorbell.
Incorrect: My attention is easily focussed when I'm interested in the subject.
Correct: My attention is easily focused when I'm interested in the subject.
Incorrect: The team was not focussed enough to win the game.
Correct: The team was not focused enough to win the game.
Incorrect: She has a focussed approach to learning new languages.
Correct: She has a focused approach to learning new languages.
Incorrect: He was very focussed during the exam.
Correct: He was very focused during the exam.
Focused Definitions
Focused refers to concentrated, directed attention or effort.
She remained focused on her homework.
In photography, focused means bringing an image into sharpness or clarity.
The image is perfectly focused.
Focused can describe being resolute or undistracted in purpose.
He is focused on achieving his goals.
Focused signifies being precise and not deviating from the path.
The scientist focused on accurate measurements.
Directing a great deal of attention, interest, or activity towards a particular aim
Darren knows what he wants and he's very focused
The need for more focused research
He seems to be very focused on the new challenge
The distinctness or clarity of an image rendered by an optical system.
The state of maximum distinctness or clarity of such an image
In focus.
Out of focus.
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.
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.
See focal length.
A center of interest or activity
"Precisely how diet affects E. coli in livestock is the focus of current research" (Cindy Engel).
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).
A condition in which something can be clearly apprehended or perceived
Couldn't get the problem into focus.
(Medicine) The region of a localized bodily infection or disease.
(Geology) The point of origin of an earthquake.
(Mathematics) A fixed point whose relationship with a directrix determines a conic section.
To cause (light rays, for example) to converge on or toward a central point; concentrate.
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.
To adjust (a lens, for example) to produce a clear image.
To direct toward a particular point or purpose
Focused all their attention on finding a solution to the problem.
To converge on or toward a central point of focus; be focused.
To adjust one's vision or an optical device so as to render a clear, distinct image.
To concentrate attention or energy
A campaign that focused on economic issues.
Directing all one's efforts towards achieving a particular goal.
Dealing with some narrowly defined aspects of a broader phenomenon.
Simple past tense and past participle of focus
Being in focus or brought into focus; clearly delineated; - of an image. Opposite of unfocused.
Converging on a point; - of light rays; as, focused light rays can set something afire.
Concentrated on or clustered around a central point or purpose.
Of an optical system (e.g. eye or opera glasses) adjusted to produce a clear image
Being in focus or brought into focus
(of light rays) converging on a point;
Focused light rays can set something afire
Concentrated on or clustered around a central point or purpose
To be focused is to be centralized on a particular point or purpose.
The beam is focused on one spot.
Focused Meaning in a Sentence
She stayed focused during the noisy party to finish her homework.
The student focused on the teacher's instructions to understand the lesson.
The scientist focused the microscope to see the cells more clearly.
By staying focused, she completed her project ahead of schedule.
He focused all his energy on training for the marathon.
He focused his camera to capture the beautiful sunset.
The coach advised the players to remain focused throughout the game.
The team focused on their strengths to win the match.
During meditation, she focused on her breathing to relax.
She focused her efforts on improving her grades.
They focused on creating a welcoming environment for all the guests.
The gardener focused on planting native species to attract wildlife.
The photographer focused the lens to get a sharp image.
The meeting focused on ways to increase company sales.
The debate team focused on refining their arguments.
The seminar focused on the importance of digital security.
She focused on eating healthy to improve her overall well-being.
The artist focused on the details to make the painting realistic.
Focused Idioms & Phrases
Stay focused
Keep your attention directed on something specific.
To do well on the test, you need to stay focused on your studies.
Common Curiosities
Which vowel is used before Focused?
Typically, 'a' as in 'a focused effort.'
What is the root word of Focused?
The root word is "Focus."
What is the plural form of Focused?
Focused is not a noun and does not have a plural form.
Which conjunction is used with Focused?
No specific conjunction is associated with "focused."
What is the pronunciation of Focused?
Focused is pronounced as [foh-kust].
What is the singular form of Focused?
Focused does not have a singular form as it's not a noun.
Which preposition is used with Focused?
"On" is often used with focused, as in "focused on."
Why is it called Focused?
Focused originates from "focus," which refers to a center of activity or attention, adopting the metaphor of a clear image center in optics.
What is the verb form of Focused?
Focus is the verb form.
Which article is used with Focused?
Either "a" or "the" can be used with focused depending on the context.
Is Focused an adverb?
No, Focused is not an adverb.
Is Focused a negative or positive word?
Focused is neutral, but often used in a positive context.
Is Focused a vowel or consonant?
Focused is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
How many syllables are in Focused?
Focused has two syllables.
Is Focused a noun or adjective?
Focused is an adjective.
Is Focused a collective noun?
No, Focused is an adjective.
Is the word Focused is imperative?
No, Focused is not imperative.
What part of speech is Focused?
Adjective.
What is the first form of Focused?
Focus.
Is Focused a countable noun?
No, Focused is not a noun.
Is the word Focused is Gerund?
No, "Focusing" is the gerund.
How do we divide Focused into syllables?
Fo-cused.
Is the Focused term a metaphor?
The term can be used metaphorically, especially in non-optical contexts.
What is another term for Focused?
Concentrated.
What is the opposite of Focused?
Distracted or unfocused.
What is the third form of Focused?
Focused.
Is Focused an abstract noun?
No, Focused is an adjective.
Is the word “Focused” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Focused is an adjective and does not function as an object.
What is a stressed syllable in Focused?
The first syllable is stressed: FO-cused.
Which determiner is used with Focused?
Determiners like "this" or "that" can be used with focused.
What is the second form of Focused?
Focused.
How is Focused used in a sentence?
Example: Despite the noise, she stayed focused on her work.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.