Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˌkɒnsənˈtreɪʃən/

Definitions

• Concentration (noun): The action or power of focusing one's mental efforts or attention on a specific task or subject.
• Concentration (noun): The state of being concentrated or the process of becoming more intense or focused.
• Concentration (noun): The amount of a substance in a given volume or mass, especially in a mixture or solution.

Usage Examples

• "Her concentration was exceptional during the exam."
• "The concentration of salt in the water was higher than expected."
• "He showed great concentration during his workout, pushing himself to the limit."

Etymology

From Latin "concentrare," meaning "to bring together." The word "concentration" entered the English language in the early 19th century, primarily in the scientific context, referring to the action of concentrating a substance or mixture. Over time, it also developed a more general usage referring to focusing one's attention or effort.

Synonyms

• Focus
• Attention
• Intensity
• Sharpness
• Absorption

Antonyms

• Distraction
• Diffusion
• Inattention
• Scattering
• Disorganization

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the word "concentration" is pronounced with stress on the third syllable: /ˌkɒnsənˈtreɪʃən/.
• In British English, the pronunciation is similar but may have slight regional accents, especially in non-standard dialects.

Historical Usage

The word "concentration" was first recorded in the early 19th century and was originally used in scientific contexts to refer to the process of making a substance stronger or more concentrated. Over time, the word evolved to describe the focus of mental or physical effort, as well as the gathering of resources or power in a specific area.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, "concentration" is highly valued, especially in academic, work, and personal development contexts. It is often associated with productivity, intelligence, and success. However, in some cultures, there may be a greater emphasis on multitasking or flexibility, where concentration is viewed as a more challenging skill to master or as a trait that might limit creativity and spontaneity.

More Information

The word "concentration" is versatile and can refer to various concepts. In science, it is used to describe the concentration of substances in mixtures or solutions. In everyday language, it refers to the mental ability to focus one's attention and efforts on a single task or goal. Understanding concentration and improving it can lead to better focus, productivity, and success in various fields, including education, work, and personal growth.