Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈkɒnsəntreɪt/

Definitions

• Concentrate (verb): To focus one's attention or mental effort on a particular task, activity, or thought.
• To gather or bring together into a single point or focus.
• To increase the strength or density of something, particularly by removing or reducing other elements.

Usage Examples

• "She had to concentrate on her work to meet the deadline."
• "The company decided to concentrate their resources on research and development."
• "He couldn’t concentrate in the noisy environment."

Etymology

The word "concentrate" comes from the Latin "concentratus," which means "brought to a center" or "focused." It derives from "com-" meaning "together" and "centrum," meaning "center." The term has been in use since the early 19th century in both physical and abstract contexts.

Synonyms

• Focus
• Direct
• Center
• Converge
• Consolidate

Antonyms

• Disperse
• Scatter
• Distract
• Distribute
• Divide

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the pronunciation places emphasis on the second syllable: /ˈkɒnsəntreɪt/.
• In British English, the stress may vary slightly, but it is still generally on the second syllable: /ˈkɒnsəntreɪt/.

Historical Usage

The word "concentrate" was first recorded in English in the early 19th century. Its use was initially associated with physical concentration, such as the gathering of resources or materials into one place. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the mental or intellectual concentration, which is now the most common usage of the term. The shift in meaning reflects cultural shifts toward greater emphasis on focus, individual effort, and resource allocation.

Cultural Nuances

"Concentrate" can also refer to the idea of centralizing or focusing resources or attention, especially in business or organizational contexts. The concept of concentration is often valued in productivity and efficiency discourse, where focusing efforts on a particular task or goal is seen as key to achieving success. In cultural settings, concentration also represents the mental discipline required to achieve mastery in any field.

More Information

The verb "concentrate" emphasizes the act of focusing or gathering things together. This can apply to physical items or abstract concepts such as ideas, energy, or attention. It is widely used across various fields, from science to art, business to education, symbolizing the importance of focus and the deliberate effort to direct one's resources to a singular purpose. Whether applied to mental effort or material resources, the concept of concentration is central to many practices, emphasizing efficiency and productivity in both individual and collective endeavors.