concentrate
She needs to concentrate on her studies to pass the exam.
She must focus intently on her studies to succeed in the exam.
to focus one's attention or mental effort on a particular task or subject
He tried to concentrate on the lecture, but the noise outside was distracting.
He attempted to focus on the lecture, but the noise outside made it difficult.
Concentrate on your breathing to reduce stress.
Focus on your breathing to help lower stress levels.
Often used with 'on' to specify the object of focus.
to reduce a substance to a more concentrated form by removing water or other diluting agents
The lab technician concentrated the solution by evaporating the solvent.
The technician made the solution more concentrated by removing the solvent through evaporation.
Common in scientific and industrial contexts.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Preposition
Remember to use 'on' with 'concentrate' when specifying the object of focus.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
Use the literal meaning for chemistry/industry and the figurative meaning for mental focus.
Word Origin
From Latin 'concentrare', meaning 'to bring to a center', from 'con-' (together) + 'centrum' (center).
Usage Notes
Can be used both literally (e.g., in chemistry) and figuratively (e.g., mental focus).