A1 noun Neutral #3,196 most common

concentration

/ˌkɒnsənˈtreɪʃən/

Concentration is the ability to give all your attention to a single task or subject. It involves thinking very hard about one thing without being distracted by other things around you.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I need total concentration to finish my math homework tonight.

I need total concentration to finish my math homework tonight.

2

The candidate's concentration during the exam was very impressive.

The candidate's concentration during the exam was very impressive.

3

I totally lost my concentration when you started talking!

I totally lost my concentration when you started talking!

Word Family

Noun
concentration
Verb
concentrate
Adverb
concentratedly
Adjective
concentrated
Related
concentrator
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Center'. When you concentrate, you are bringing all your thoughts to the 'center' of your mind.

Quick Quiz

The loud noise outside made me lose my ______ while I was reading.

Correct!

The correct answer is: concentration

Examples

1

I need total concentration to finish my math homework tonight.

everyday

I need total concentration to finish my math homework tonight.

2

The candidate's concentration during the exam was very impressive.

formal

The candidate's concentration during the exam was very impressive.

3

I totally lost my concentration when you started talking!

informal

I totally lost my concentration when you started talking!

4

Academic research requires a high level of mental concentration and patience.

academic

Academic research requires a high level of mental concentration and patience.

5

The team needs to maintain their concentration to meet the project deadline.

business

The team needs to maintain their concentration to meet the project deadline.

Word Family

Noun
concentration
Verb
concentrate
Adverb
concentratedly
Adjective
concentrated
Related
concentrator

Common Collocations

lose concentration to stop being able to focus
deep concentration very strong and focused thinking
improve concentration to make your ability to focus better
lack of concentration not having enough focus
powers of concentration the natural ability to focus well

Common Phrases

a lapse in concentration

a short period when you stop focusing

total concentration

100% focus on one thing

break someone's concentration

to interrupt someone while they are focusing

Often Confused With

concentration vs focus

'Focus' can be used as both a noun and a verb easily, while 'concentration' usually refers to the sustained mental state.

concentration vs collection

In some languages, the word for gathering things sounds like concentration, but in English, this word is strictly for mental attention or density.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'concentration' when you want to describe the amount of mental energy someone is putting into a task. It is often used with the verbs 'require', 'need', or 'lose'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'do concentration' instead of 'concentrate' (the verb) or 'have concentration' (the noun). Always remember to use the preposition 'on' with the verb form: 'concentrate on'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Center'. When you concentrate, you are bringing all your thoughts to the 'center' of your mind.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'con-' (together) and 'centrum' (center), literally meaning to bring things to a common center.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable noun when referring to mental effort Countable noun when referring to chemical solutions or groups of people Often followed by the preposition 'on' in its verb form
🌍

Cultural Context

In university settings in the US, a 'concentration' can also refer to a specific area of study within a major.

Quick Quiz

The loud noise outside made me lose my ______ while I was reading.

Correct!

The correct answer is: concentration

More Education words

university

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A university is a high-level educational institution where students study for degrees and conduct academic research. It is a place people go after finishing secondary school to specialize in a specific subject.

classroom

A1

A classroom is a dedicated room in a school or college where students and teachers meet for lessons. It typically contains desks, chairs, and tools for learning like a whiteboard or computer.

science

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Science is the study of the natural world based on facts learned through experiments and observation. It is a subject taught in schools that helps us understand how the physical world and the universe work.

geography

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Geography is the study of the Earth's surface and its physical features like mountains, rivers, and oceans. It also looks at how people live in different parts of the world and how they interact with their environment.

literature

A1

Literature refers to written works such as novels, plays, and poems that are considered to be very good or important. It can also refer to printed information about a particular subject or business.

chemistry

A1

Chemistry is the branch of science that studies what things are made of and how they react with each other. It is also a common subject taught in schools and universities.

economics

A1

Economics is the study of how people, businesses, and countries use money and resources. It explains how things are made, bought, and sold in the world.

notebook

A1

A book with blank or lined pages used for writing notes, drawing, or keeping records. It is a common tool for students, artists, and professionals to organize their thoughts and information.

pencil

A1

A long, thin instrument used for writing or drawing, typically consisting of a thin stick of graphite enclosed in a wooden case. Unlike pens, marks made with this tool can be easily removed using an eraser.

pen

A1

A pen is a common handheld tool used for writing or drawing with ink on paper. It is a basic piece of stationery essential for education, office work, and personal record-keeping.

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