concentration
/ˌkɒnsənˈtɹeɪʃən/
At its core, "concentration" describes the act of bringing things toward a single center point, whether those things are thoughts, physical substances, or people. It is the opposite of diffusion or scattering. In a mental context, it implies an active, disciplined effort to exclude distractions. While 'focus' is often used interchangeably, concentration feels more like a sustained process of mental exertion—a "tightening" of attention over time. In scientific and technical contexts, it refers to the density of a substance within a mixture. Here, the connotation is one of potency or strength; a high concentration suggests an intense or powerful presence of a specific element. In sociological or geographic terms, it describes a clustering effect (e.g., the concentration of wealth). This usage often carries a neutral to slightly critical tone, suggesting an imbalance or an uneven distribution.
💬Casual Conversation
My concentration on this new blockchain venture is intense.
You mean your concentration on avoiding actual employment.
Meanings
The action or power of focusing one's attention or mental effort on a single object or activity.
"He struggled to maintain his concentration during the long lecture."
The relative amount of a particular substance contained within a solution or mixture.
"The scientist measured the concentration of glucose in the blood sample."
Collocations & Compounds
high concentration
A large amount of a substance in a given volume or area.
The sample showed a high concentration of lead.
low concentration
A small amount of a substance in a given volume or area.
The medication is effective even at low concentration.
concentration camp
A place where large numbers of people, especially political prisoners or members of persecuted minorities, are detained or confined, typically under harsh conditions.
The historical site served as a concentration camp during the war.
concentration of power
The accumulation of power in the hands of a small group or single entity.
The author warned against the dangerous concentration of power in the executive branch.
acid concentration
The amount of acid dissolved in a solution.
The experiment requires a specific acid concentration.
Idioms & Sayings
lose concentration
To stop focusing or paying attention.
It's easy to lose concentration when you're tired.
maintain concentration
To continue to focus and pay attention.
She struggled to maintain concentration during the long lecture.
gather one's concentration
To make an effort to focus after being distracted.
He took a deep breath to gather his concentration before the exam.
Etymology
The word 'concentration' entered English in the early 17th century. It originates from the Latin word 'concentrare', meaning 'to bring to a center' or 'to combine'. This is formed from 'con-' (together) and 'centrum' (center). Initially, it was used in a musical context to mean 'to bring notes together in harmony'. By the mid-17th century, its meaning broadened to include the idea of bringing one's mental faculties to bear on a single object or thought, hence the modern sense of mental focus. It also developed a scientific meaning related to the amount of a substance in a given volume or mass.