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When you concentrate, you give all your attention to something.
Explanation at your level:
Hi there! 'Concentrate' is a word we use when we want to think really, really hard about one thing. Imagine you are playing with your favorite toy. You don't want to stop playing, right? You are giving all your attention to the toy. That is concentrating! It means you are not looking at other things. You are just focused on your toy. Or maybe when you are eating yummy ice cream, you just want to taste the ice cream. You are concentrating on the taste. It's like putting all your thoughts in one small box for a little while. It helps you do things well!
When you concentrate, you give all your attention to one thing. For example, if you are doing your homework, you need to concentrate so you don't make mistakes. It means you stop thinking about other things, like playing games or watching TV, for a while. You focus your mind on the task. You might say, 'I need to concentrate on this math problem.' It's important for learning and for doing jobs well. If you are tired, it can be hard to concentrate.
To concentrate means to focus your attention and mental effort on a particular subject or task, deliberately excluding distractions. For instance, when studying for an important exam, you need to concentrate fully on the material. This verb is used when you want to emphasize the act of directing your thoughts and energy towards something specific. You might tell someone, 'Please concentrate on what I'm saying,' if you feel they are not paying attention. It implies a conscious effort to engage deeply with the subject at hand, leading to better understanding or performance.
Concentrate (verb) refers to the act of directing one's full mental powers or attention towards a specific objective, often to the exclusion of other stimuli. This implies a level of cognitive control and effort. For example, a surgeon must concentrate intensely during an operation, or a writer might need to concentrate to craft a complex narrative. The term can also apply to making something more potent by reducing its volume, such as 'concentrating a solution.' Understanding when to use 'concentrate' versus synonyms like 'focus' or 'pay attention' depends on the nuance of effort and the degree of exclusion of other factors.
The verb concentrate denotes a high degree of focused attention and mental application directed towards a singular subject or activity, often involving the deliberate suppression of peripheral stimuli or competing thoughts. It signifies a sustained and intense cognitive effort. For example, 'The researcher had to concentrate for hours to decipher the ancient text.' In a scientific context, 'concentrate' can also refer to increasing the strength or purity of a substance, as in 'to concentrate a chemical compound.' The choice to use 'concentrate' often implies a more active and demanding form of focus compared to simply 'paying attention,' suggesting a deliberate marshalling of mental resources.
Concentrate, in its primary sense, denotes the voluntary and sustained marshalling of cognitive faculties towards a specific locus of attention, often entailing the active inhibition of extraneous sensory input and ideational interference. This implies a sophisticated level of executive function. For instance, 'The chess grandmaster could concentrate on the board for hours, analyzing intricate positional nuances.' The term also retains its alchemical and chemical meaning of increasing the proportion of a constituent element within a mixture or solution through the removal of other components, e.g., 'to concentrate ore.' Etymologically rooted in the concept of 'bringing to a center,' its usage spans from the deeply psychological to the precisely scientific, reflecting a core human capacity for directed mental effort and a fundamental principle in physical sciences.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Verb meaning to direct all your attention to one thing.
- Also used for making substances stronger (e.g., solutions).
- Requires mental effort and minimizing distractions.
- Commonly used with the preposition 'on'.
Hey there! Let's dive into the awesome word 'concentrate.' When we concentrate, we're basically telling our brain, 'Okay, focus up!' It's like shining a spotlight on one thing and making everything else fade into the background. Think about when you're trying to solve a tricky puzzle or learn a new skill – you need to concentrate to get it right. It’s not just about looking at something; it’s about really engaging your mind and putting all your mental energy into it. This word is super useful in all sorts of situations, from studying for a test to enjoying a hobby.
So, why is concentrating so important? Well, it helps us learn faster, perform better, and avoid mistakes. When you're distracted, it's easy to miss important details or mess things up. But when you concentrate, you're giving yourself the best chance to succeed. It’s a skill that takes practice, but the more you do it, the better you get. We use this word in everyday life, whether we're talking about work, school, or even just trying to relax and enjoy a quiet moment. It’s all about directing your attention effectively!
The word 'concentrate' has a pretty cool journey! It comes to us from Latin, where 'concentrare' meant 'to bring to a center' or 'to gather together.' Think of the prefix 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'centrum' meaning 'center.' So, literally, it's about bringing things to a central point. This idea of gathering or bringing together is key to its meaning.
This Latin root made its way into Old French as 'concentrer,' and then into English around the 15th century. Initially, it was often used in a more physical sense, like concentrating forces or troops. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the mental aspect – concentrating your thoughts or efforts. It’s fascinating how the same core idea of 'bringing to a center' applies whether you're talking about mixing chemicals, gathering people, or focusing your mind!
Interestingly, this concept of focusing energy or attention towards a central point is found in many cultures and philosophies. It’s a fundamental human experience. The evolution of 'concentrate' shows how language adapts to describe both the physical world and our inner mental processes. It’s a word that has stayed relevant because the act of focusing is so vital to our lives.
So, how do we actually use 'concentrate'? It's a versatile verb that fits into many different contexts. You'll often hear it used when talking about tasks that require mental effort. For example, you might say, 'I need to concentrate on my homework' or 'Please concentrate during the meeting.' It implies a deliberate effort to focus.
We also use 'concentrate' when talking about things becoming stronger or more intense. For instance, 'The sun's rays can be concentrated using a magnifying glass,' or 'The flavors in the sauce have been concentrated by simmering.' This usage highlights the idea of bringing something together to make it more potent.
When it comes to formality, 'concentrate' is pretty neutral. You can use it in casual conversations with friends, in formal academic settings, or in professional environments. It’s a widely understood and accepted term. Some common phrases you'll hear include 'concentrate hard,' 'concentrate fully,' or 'have trouble concentrating.' Understanding these collocations can help you use the word more naturally!
While 'concentrate' itself isn't heavily featured in many quirky idioms, the *idea* of focusing is! Here are some related expressions:
- Keep your eye on the ball: This idiom means to stay focused on the main goal or task, especially in a competitive or challenging situation. Example: In this fast-paced market, it's crucial to keep your eye on the ball.
- Stay on track: Similar to the above, this means to continue doing something without getting distracted from the original plan or objective. Example: Let's try to stay on track during the brainstorming session.
- Zone in on something: This means to focus all your attention very specifically on one particular thing. Example: The detective quickly zoned in on the main suspect.
- Put all your eggs in one basket: While not directly about concentration, this warns against focusing all your resources or hopes on a single venture, implying a lack of diversification. Example: Investing all your money in one stock is putting all your eggs in one basket.
- Tunnel vision: This describes a state where someone is so focused on one thing that they fail to consider other important aspects or possibilities. Example: He suffered from tunnel vision and didn't see the other opportunities available.
- Give it your best shot: This encourages someone to try as hard as they can, which inherently requires concentration. Example: I know it's a tough exam, but just give it your best shot!
Let's break down the grammar and pronunciation of 'concentrate.' As a verb, it follows standard English conjugation patterns. For example, the past tense is 'concentrated,' and the present participle is 'concentrating.' When used transitively, it takes an object, like 'She concentrated her efforts.' When used intransitively, it often pairs with prepositions like 'on,' as in 'He concentrated on the book.'
Pronunciation can vary slightly between British English (BrE) and American English (AmE). In BrE, it might sound like /kənˈsen.treɪt/, with the stress on the second syllable. In AmE, it's very similar, perhaps /kɑːn.sənˈtreɪt/, again with the stress on 'sen.' A common pronunciation pitfall is misplacing the stress or not clearly articulating the syllables. Some learners might also struggle with the '-ate' ending, sometimes pronouncing it too strongly.
Rhyming words are a bit tricky for 'concentrate' due to its multi-syllabic nature and specific ending. However, words with a similar ending sound might include 'desperate' or 'separate,' though they aren't perfect rhymes. Practice saying it slowly: CON-cen-trate. Try to feel the rhythm and the emphasis on that middle syllable!
Fun Fact
The idea of 'bringing things together' is central to its meaning, whether it's thoughts, forces, or even chemical substances.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'kun-SEN-trayt', with the main stress on the second syllable.
Sounds like 'KAHN-sun-trayt', with the primary stress on the first syllable and secondary stress on the third.
Common Errors
- Incorrect stress placement (e.g., stressing the last syllable).
- Pronouncing the '-ate' ending too strongly or like 'ait'.
- Not clearly articulating the middle syllable 'sen' or 'sun'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Generally easy to read, but some nuances in C1/C2 explanations.
Straightforward verb conjugation, but requires care with prepositions ('on').
Pronunciation requires attention to stress, but the word is common.
Commonly used, usually easy to understand in context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb + Preposition ('on')
Concentrate on + noun/gerund.
Gerunds as Subjects
Concentrating requires effort.
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
He concentrated (intransitive) vs. He concentrated the solution (transitive).
Examples by Level
I concentrate on my toy.
I / focus / my / toy.
Use 'on' after 'concentrate'.
Concentrate, please!
Focus / please!
Imperative form.
I concentrate on drawing.
I / focus / drawing.
'Concentrate on' + verb-ing.
Can you concentrate?
Can / you / focus?
Question form.
He concentrates on his book.
He / focuses / his / book.
Third person singular 'concentrates'.
Concentrate on the game.
Focus / the / game.
Command form.
It is hard to concentrate.
It / is / hard / to / focus.
'It is hard to' + verb.
She concentrates well.
She / focuses / well.
Adverb 'well' modifies the verb.
I need to concentrate on my studies.
I / need / to / focus / my / studies.
'Need to' + verb.
Please concentrate, the teacher is talking.
Please / focus / the / teacher / is / talking.
Present continuous 'is talking'.
It's difficult to concentrate when there's a lot of noise.
It's / difficult / to / focus / when / there's / a lot of / noise.
'Difficult to' + verb.
He concentrated hard during the test.
He / focused / hard / during / the / test.
Past tense 'concentrated'.
Can you concentrate for five minutes?
Can / you / focus / for / five / minutes?
Asking about duration.
She lost her concentration.
She / lost / her / focus.
'Lose concentration' is a common phrase.
Let's concentrate on finishing this project.
Let's / focus / on / finishing / this / project.
'Let's' + verb.
Concentrating helps you learn better.
Focusing / helps / you / learn / better.
Gerund 'Concentrating' as subject.
I find it hard to concentrate in a busy office.
I / find / it / hard / to focus / in a / busy / office.
'Find it hard to' + verb.
You need to concentrate fully if you want to pass the exam.
You / need / to / focus / fully / if / you / want / to pass / the / exam.
Adverb 'fully' emphasizes the degree of concentration.
The coach told the players to concentrate on their defense.
The / coach / told / the / players / to / focus / on / their / defense.
Reported speech structure.
He has trouble concentrating since he stopped drinking coffee.
He / has / trouble / concentrating / since / he / stopped / drinking / coffee.
'Have trouble' + gerund.
Let's concentrate our efforts on the main goal.
Let's / focus / our / efforts / on / the / main / goal.
Common collocation: 'concentrate efforts on'.
The smell of fresh bread made it difficult to concentrate on the lecture.
The / smell / of / fresh / bread / made / it / difficult / to focus / on / the / lecture.
Cause and effect structure.
She managed to concentrate despite the noise.
She / managed / to / focus / despite / the / noise.
'Manage to' + verb.
Concentrate the sauce by simmering it for longer.
Make / the / sauce / stronger / by / simmering / it / for / longer.
Used in cooking context to mean 'make stronger'.
It's imperative that you concentrate on the safety procedures.
It's / crucial / that / you / focus / on / the / safety / procedures.
'Imperative that' + subjunctive/base verb.
He finds it challenging to concentrate for extended periods without a break.
He / finds / it / challenging / to focus / for / extended / periods / without / a break.
'Challenging' instead of 'difficult'; 'extended periods'.
The artist concentrated his vision into a single, powerful sculpture.
The / artist / focused / his / vision / into / a single, / powerful / sculpture.
Figurative use: concentrating an idea or vision.
We need to concentrate our resources on the most promising markets.
We / need / to / focus / our / resources / on / the / most / promising / markets.
Business context: 'concentrate resources'.
Lack of sleep severely impairs one's ability to concentrate.
Lack / of / sleep / severely / harms / one's / ability / to focus.
'Impair ability to concentrate'.
The chemical was concentrated to increase its reactivity.
The / chemical / was / made stronger / to / increase / its / reactivity.
Passive voice in a scientific context.
She has a remarkable capacity to concentrate, even in chaotic environments.
She / has / a / remarkable / ability / to focus / even / in / chaotic / environments.
'Capacity to concentrate'.
Focusing too narrowly can lead to tunnel vision, preventing you from seeing the bigger picture.
Focusing / too / narrowly / can / lead / to / tunnel vision, / preventing / you / from / seeing / the / bigger picture.
Related concept: 'tunnel vision'.
The new policy requires employees to concentrate their efforts on customer retention.
The / new / policy / requires / employees / to / focus / their / efforts / on / customer / retention.
Formal business language; 'customer retention'.
He struggled to concentrate on the complex theoretical arguments presented.
He / struggled / to / focus / on / the / complex / theoretical / arguments / presented.
Academic context; 'complex theoretical arguments'.
The sheer volume of data necessitated a highly concentrated analytical approach.
The / sheer / volume / of / data / necessitated / a / highly / focused / analytical / approach.
Formal, analytical tone; 'necessitated'.
In moments of crisis, the leader's ability to concentrate under pressure was invaluable.
In / moments / of / crisis, / the / leader's / ability / to focus / under / pressure / was / invaluable.
Describes personal qualities; 'under pressure'.
The process involves concentrating the radioactive isotopes for medical imaging.
The / process / involves / concentrating / the / radioactive / isotopes / for / medical / imaging.
Specific scientific terminology; 'radioactive isotopes'.
Her concentration wavered as the deadline loomed, despite her best efforts.
Her / focus / wavered / as / the / deadline / loomed, / despite / her / best / efforts.
'Concentration wavered' - noun form.
To truly appreciate the nuances of the film, one must concentrate on the director's subtle visual cues.
To / truly / appreciate / the / nuances / of / the / film, / one / must / focus / on / the / director's / subtle / visual / cues.
Appreciative/analytical context; 'nuances'.
The company decided to concentrate its R&D efforts on sustainable energy solutions.
The / company / decided / to / focus / its / R&D / efforts / on / sustainable / energy / solutions.
Corporate strategy; 'R&D efforts'.
The philosopher argued that true enlightenment requires the ability to concentrate the mind to a point of pure awareness.
The / philosopher / argued / that / true / enlightenment / requires / the / ability / to focus / the / mind / to / a / point / of / pure / awareness.
Philosophical/spiritual context; 'pure awareness'.
He devoted himself to concentrating his disparate research findings into a cohesive theoretical framework.
He / devoted / himself / to / focusing / his / disparate / research / findings / into / a / cohesive / theoretical / framework.
Academic synthesis; 'disparate findings', 'cohesive framework'.
The alchemist sought to concentrate the elemental essence, believing it held the key to transmutation.
The / alchemist / sought / to / focus / the / elemental / essence, / believing / it / held / the / key / to / transmutation.
Historical/esoteric context; 'elemental essence', 'transmutation'.
Her capacity for sustained concentration allowed her to master multiple complex disciplines.
Her / ability / for / sustained / focus / allowed / her / to / master / multiple / complex / disciplines.
Describes a high-level cognitive skill; 'sustained concentration'.
The extraction process concentrates the active compounds, yielding a highly potent therapeutic agent.
The / extraction / process / concentrates / the / active / compounds, / yielding / a / highly / potent / therapeutic / agent.
Precise scientific language; 'active compounds', 'therapeutic agent'.
Without the discipline to concentrate, one risks succumbing to the ephemeral allure of constant distraction.
Without / the / discipline / to / focus, / one / risks / succumbing / to / the / ephemeral / allure / of / constant / distraction.
Literary/philosophical tone; 'ephemeral allure'.
The symposium aimed to concentrate scholarly attention on the under-researched area of pre-colonial linguistics.
The / symposium / aimed / to / focus / scholarly / attention / on / the / under-researched / area / of / pre-colonial / linguistics.
Academic conference context; 'scholarly attention'.
He learned to concentrate his energies not on the obstacles, but on the pathways to overcoming them.
He / learned / to / focus / his / energies / not / on / the / obstacles, / but / on / the / pathways / to / overcoming / them.
Motivational and psychological framing.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"Keep your eye on the ball"
Stay focused on the main goal or task.
With so many distractions, it's important to keep your eye on the ball.
neutral/informal"Zone in on"
To focus all your attention very specifically on one thing.
The reporter zoned in on the politician's controversial statement.
neutral/informal"Tunnel vision"
Being so focused on one thing that you ignore everything else.
His tunnel vision prevented him from seeing the risks involved.
neutral"Stay on track"
Continue with a plan or task without getting distracted.
We need to stay on track to finish the project by Friday.
neutral"Give it your best shot"
Try as hard as you can, requiring concentration and effort.
I've never done this before, but I'll give it my best shot.
neutral/informal"Put all your eggs in one basket"
To risk everything on the success of one venture (implies lack of focus/diversification).
Don't put all your eggs in one basket; diversify your investments.
neutralEasily Confused
Both involve mental activity.
'Concentrate' is about directing focus intensely; 'consider' is about thinking about something thoughtfully, weighing options.
You need to <strong>concentrate</strong> on the math problem. You should <strong>consider</strong> all the possible answers.
Both relate to giving attention.
'Attend' means to be present at an event or to pay attention (often formally). 'Concentrate' is a deeper mental focus.
Please <strong>attend</strong> the meeting. You need to <strong>concentrate</strong> during the presentation.
It's an antonym in the context of focus.
'Scatter' means to disperse widely, the opposite of bringing things together (concentrating).
Don't let your thoughts <strong>scatter</strong>; try to <strong>concentrate</strong>.
Related to the 'bringing together' aspect of 'concentrate'.
'Gather' is used for people coming together physically. 'Concentrate' (in this sense) is about focusing mental energy or making substances denser.
Let's <strong>gather</strong> for the party. The process helps <strong>concentrate</strong> the ingredients.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + concentrate + on + noun/gerund
She needs to concentrate on her writing.
Subject + concentrate + adverb
He concentrated hard during the exam.
It + be + adjective + to concentrate
It is difficult to concentrate when you're tired.
Subject + have/difficulty/trouble + concentrating
I often have difficulty concentrating in noisy environments.
Subject + concentrate + object (transitive)
The machine concentrates the solar energy.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
'Concentrate' means to focus attention. 'Consider' means to think about something carefully.
When referring to the object of focus, 'concentrate' typically requires the preposition 'on'.
While 'concentration' is a valid noun, the verb form is often more direct and appropriate in many sentences.
The stress is typically on the second syllable ('sen'), not the last.
'Concentrate' is usually for mental focus or physical substances, not people meeting socially. Use 'gather', 'meet', or 'assemble'.
Tips
Visualize the Spotlight
Imagine a bright spotlight. When you need to concentrate, picture that spotlight narrowing down onto just the one thing you need to focus on, making everything else dark.
Use 'on' for Mental Focus
When talking about mental effort, remember to use 'concentrate on something' (e.g., 'concentrate on the lesson').
Value the Skill
In many professional and academic contexts in English-speaking countries, the ability to concentrate is highly respected. Highlighting your concentration can be a positive trait.
Verb vs. Noun
Remember the difference: 'I need to concentrate' (verb) vs. 'My concentration is poor' (noun).
Stress the Middle!
Practice saying 'con-SEN-trate' or 'KAHN-sun-trayt'. Getting the stress on the second syllable (or secondary stress on the third in AmE) is key.
Avoid 'Gathering' Confusion
Don't use 'concentrate' when you mean people coming together. Stick to 'gather' or 'meet'.
It's About the Center!
Remember the Latin root 'centrum' (center). Concentrating is about bringing your focus or a substance to a central point.
Pomodoro Technique
Work in focused bursts (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by short breaks. This structured approach trains your ability to concentrate.
'Focus' is Your Friend
'Focus' is a very close synonym and often interchangeable. Use it when 'concentrate' feels too formal or when talking about physical things like light or cameras.
Science & Cooking
Remember 'concentrate' has a specific meaning in science (making solutions stronger) and cooking (reducing liquids for flavor).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'CONE' that helps you 'CENTRATE' (concentrate) light onto one spot.
Visual Association
Picture a spotlight intensely shining on a single actor on a dark stage.
Word Web
Challenge
Try concentrating on a simple task (like folding laundry) for 5 minutes without any distractions. Notice when your mind wanders and gently bring it back.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: 'To bring to a center', 'to gather together'.
Cultural Context
Generally, no major cultural sensitivities are associated with the word 'concentrate' itself, though the *reasons* someone might struggle to concentrate (e.g., ADHD, stress) can be sensitive topics.
The concept of concentration is highly valued in many English-speaking cultures, especially in education and professional settings. Being able to 'concentrate' is often seen as a sign of intelligence, discipline, and effectiveness.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Studying/Learning
- Concentrate on your studies.
- It's hard to concentrate in class.
- I need to concentrate to understand this.
Workplace
- Concentrate on the task at hand.
- Please concentrate during the meeting.
- We need to concentrate our efforts on sales.
Science/Chemistry
- Concentrate the solution.
- The sample was concentrated.
- Concentrated acids are dangerous.
Daily Life/Hobbies
- Concentrate on your breathing.
- Just concentrate on playing the game.
- It takes concentration to play the piano.
Conversation Starters
"What helps you concentrate the most when you need to study?"
"Do you find it harder to concentrate now than when you were younger? Why?"
"What's the most difficult thing you've ever had to concentrate on?"
"If you could instantly improve one skill, would you choose better concentration?"
"How do you deal with distractions when you're trying to concentrate?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time when your ability to concentrate helped you succeed.
Write about a situation where you struggled to concentrate. What were the reasons and how did you feel?
What are your personal strategies for improving concentration?
Imagine a world where everyone could concentrate perfectly. How would it be different?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsThey are very similar and often interchangeable. 'Concentrate' sometimes implies a more intense or sustained effort, and can also refer to making substances stronger. 'Focus' can be used more broadly, like focusing a camera lens, and is also common as a noun.
No, 'concentrate' is typically used for mental effort or making substances stronger. For people meeting, use verbs like 'gather', 'meet', 'assemble', or 'convene'.
It means to make a liquid solution stronger or more potent by removing some of the solvent (usually water), increasing the amount of the dissolved substance.
It can be both. It's transitive when it has a direct object (e.g., 'concentrate the solution') and intransitive when used with a preposition like 'on' (e.g., 'concentrate on the task').
Common reasons include tiredness, stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, distractions (noise, notifications), and certain medical conditions like ADHD.
No, the noun 'concentration' refers to the state of focus or the strength of a solution, not a gathering of people.
Practice mindfulness, minimize distractions, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Opposites include 'distracting', 'scattering' (forces/attention), and 'ignoring'.
Test Yourself
Please ______ on your drawing.
We need a verb that means to focus attention. 'Concentrate' fits here.
What does it mean to concentrate?
Concentrating means giving all your attention to one subject.
It is easy to concentrate when you are very tired.
When you are tired, it is usually harder, not easier, to concentrate.
Word
Meaning
These pairs show common uses and meanings of 'concentrate'.
The correct sentence is: 'You need to concentrate if you want to pass.'
The chef ______ the sauce by simmering it for an hour.
In cooking, 'concentrate' means to make something stronger by reducing its liquid content.
Which sentence uses 'concentrate' in a figurative sense?
Option 3 uses 'concentrate' to mean focusing abstract 'efforts', not a physical substance or literal mental focus.
The word 'concentrate' always implies a voluntary act of focus.
While often voluntary, concentration can also be impaired (e.g., due to fatigue) or required in specific contexts (e.g., chemical concentration).
The philosopher advocated for the ability to ______ the mind to achieve pure awareness.
This refers to the deep mental focus required in philosophical or meditative practices.
His research aimed to ______ disparate findings into a cohesive theoretical framework.
While 'consolidate' is a good synonym here, 'concentrate' also fits, meaning to bring together and focus disparate elements.
Score: /10
Summary
Concentrate means bringing your focus to a single point, whether it's your mind or a physical substance.
- Verb meaning to direct all your attention to one thing.
- Also used for making substances stronger (e.g., solutions).
- Requires mental effort and minimizing distractions.
- Commonly used with the preposition 'on'.
Visualize the Spotlight
Imagine a bright spotlight. When you need to concentrate, picture that spotlight narrowing down onto just the one thing you need to focus on, making everything else dark.
Use 'on' for Mental Focus
When talking about mental effort, remember to use 'concentrate on something' (e.g., 'concentrate on the lesson').
Value the Skill
In many professional and academic contexts in English-speaking countries, the ability to concentrate is highly respected. Highlighting your concentration can be a positive trait.
Verb vs. Noun
Remember the difference: 'I need to concentrate' (verb) vs. 'My concentration is poor' (noun).
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This Word in Other Languages
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異変がある
B1To have an unusual change or abnormality.
異常な
B1Abnormal; unusual; irregular.
擦り傷
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吸収する
B1To absorb.
禁酒
B1Abstinence from alcohol; the act of refraining from alcohol.
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
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急性的
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急性な
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急性の
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