Refocussing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The process of redirecting one’s attention to an earlier focus or perspective in order to gain clarity or enhance understanding in a given situation
2. The act of realigning concentration towards a previous idea or subject to achieve better insight or clarity in comprehension
3. The act of shifting attention back to a prior focus to improve clarity or insight regarding a specific topic or situation

Etymology: "Refocussing" is the British spelling of "refocusing," the present participle of "refocus." The verb is formed from the prefix "re-", meaning "again" or "back," joined to "focus." "Focus" comes from the Latin word for "hearth" or "fireplace," and was adopted into English in the 17th century as a technical term in optics, for the point where light rays converge. Its figurative sense of concentrated attention came later. The prefix "re-" is what makes the word work: "refocus" literally means to bring something back to a point of convergence after it has drifted out of it. That is why the verb now describes returning the mind to an earlier vantage point, as well as a camera lens being adjusted to sharpen an image.

Synonyms: reorienting, realigning, redirecting

Antonyms: distracting, diverting, misfocusing