Concentration

Definition

Concentration is a noun that refers to the action or ability to focus one’s attention or mental effort on a particular task or object. It can also mean the measure of the amount of a substance in a given volume, commonly used in chemistry and environmental science.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌkɑːnsənˈtreɪʃən/
• Respelling: kon-suhn-TRAY-shuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌkɒnsənˈtreɪʃən/
• Respelling: kon-suhn-TRAY-shuhn

The pronunciation of "concentration" is nearly identical in both American and British English, with slight variation in the vowel sounds of the first syllable.

Etymology

The word "concentration" originates from the Latin "concentrare," meaning "to bring to a center," with "com-" (together) and "centrum" (center). It was adopted into English in the 17th century, retaining meanings associated with focusing and gathering.

Derivatives

• Concentrate (verb)
• Concentrative (adjective)
• Concentrator (noun)
• Concentrated (adjective)
• Deconcentration (noun)

Synonyms

• Focus
• Attention
• Absorption

Antonyms

• Distraction
• Inattention
• Neglect

Usage

The term "concentration" is used in both general and scientific contexts. For example, "She has strong concentration skills" refers to focus, while "The concentration of salt in the solution is high" refers to the amount of a substance in a given volume.

Related Terms

• Focus: The act of directing attention to a particular point or task.
• Density: A measure of mass per unit volume, often used similarly to concentration in scientific contexts.
• Attention: The act of concentrating or focusing mental energy on a particular object or task.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The action or power of focusing one’s attention or mental effort: Refers to the mental ability to stay focused on a task or goal.
  • Example: "Her concentration allowed her to finish the assignment quickly."
• The measure of the amount of a substance in a given volume (science): Describes the proportion of a substance within a mixture, commonly used in chemistry.
  • Example: "The concentration of oxygen in the air is about 21%."
• The gathering or clustering of people or objects in a place: Refers to a physical accumulation or gathering.
  • Example: "There was a high concentration of tourists at the museum."