Concentration Meaning and Definition
Concentration
Pronunciation
/kɑːnsɪnˈtreɪʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The state of being concentrated; a state of focusing one’s mind, thoughts, and energies on a specific activity or subject; the act of directing one’s attention or mental effort on something.
Examples
- She requires complete concentration to solve the puzzle.
- The football player’s concentration on the game allowed him to block out the crowd noise.
Synonyms
- Focus
- Attention
- Intention
Antonyms
- Distraction
- Disorder
- Chaos
Additional Information
Concentration is an essential cognitive ability that allows individuals to achieve their goals, perform tasks efficiently, and enhance their overall well-being. By developing the skill of concentration, individuals can overcome procrastination, minimize stress, and cultivate mental discipline.
In educational settings, concentration plays a critical role in the learning process, enabling students to grasp and retain new information effectively. Educators employ various strategies to promote concentration, including personalized learning, mindfulness training, and adaptive assessments.
From a psychological perspective, researchers have investigated the neural underpinnings of concentration, highlighting the involvement of brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex. Studies have also explored the impact of external factors like noise, temperature, and social environment on individuals’ ability to concentrate.
Eymology
The term “concentration” originated in the 15th century, derived from the Latin words “concentrare,” meaning “to collect or gather together,” and the suffix “-ation,” which forms a noun of action. The word initially referred to the act of centralizing forces, control, or power.
Usage Notes
When using the term “concentration,” consider the context in which it is applied. In academic or professional settings, it is generally considered more formal and precise than colloquialisms like “focus” or “attention.” However, in informal conversation, these alternatives may be perfectly acceptable.
Cultural References
The concept of concentration has appeared in popular culture, including in films like “The Karate Kid,” where Mr. Miyagi teaches Daniel-san the importance of concentration and focus in martial arts. In literature, authors like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Jane Austen often explored the theme of concentration in their works.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Concentration camp (a term originating from World War II)
- Concentration of power (a phrase describing the centralization of control)
Related Words or Phrases
- Mental clarity
- Cognitive ability
- Sustained attention
Collocations
- Concentration of effort
- Concentration of power
- Concentration on a task
Frequency of Use
According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the term “concentration” appears approximately 10,000 times per million words, indicating moderate frequency of use.