Words / B1

KONSNTR-ayt/ˈkɒnsntreɪt/

To concentrate is to give all your attention: concentrate on the question; find it hard to concentrate. Focus is a close synonym; pay attention is a little more about listening. Concentration is the noun: a lapse in concentration. In science, concentrate can also mean make a liquid stronger. Do not write “concentrate in the exam” when you mean concentrate on it.

Meaning

To give all your attention to something.

Examples

• “I cannot concentrate when the radio is on.”
• “Please concentrate: this part is in the test.”
• “I cannot concentrate with so many tabs open.”

Good to know

concentrate on. Noun: concentration. Close verb: focus. Listening: pay attention. Not “concentrate in” for a topic.

Near in meaning

focus

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