concentrate

word

/ˈkɑnsənˌtɹeɪt/
KAHN-suhn-trayt
/kˈɒnsəntɹˌeɪt/
KON-suhn-trayt

Definition

To give all your attention to something so you can do it well. It can also mean to make a substance stronger or thicker by removing part of it.

Usage & Nuances

Most often used as 'concentrate on' something: 'concentrate on your work'. For mental focus, 'focus' is often a close synonym, but 'concentrate' suggests active effort. As a noun, 'concentrate' means a concentrated substance, such as juice concentrate.

Example Sentences

Please concentrate on the teacher.

basic

This machine concentrates the juice.

basic

I can't concentrate in a noisy room.

basic

I need to turn my phone off and really concentrate.

natural

It's hard to concentrate when everyone is talking at once.

natural

Let's concentrate on what we can fix right now.

natural