What does focally mean?
Focally is an uncommon English adverb meaning in a focused manner or with respect to a focal point. Its general implication is concentration: an activity, adjustment, or discussion is directed toward one particular aspect rather than being spread diffusely. In scientific and optical contexts, it can also refer specifically to the focus of a lens, beam, or optical system. For example, a light source may be adjusted focally so that its energy is concentrated on a small area, while an examination of a complex issue may focus closely on one component. The word belongs to the adjective focal with the standard adverbial suffix -ly. Although grammatically straightforward, focally is less common in everyday English than focusedly and may sound specialized in general use. It should not be confused with locally, which describes something associated with a particular place rather than a point of focus.
adverbWith respect to a focal point or the focusing of attention; in a concentrated or focused manner.
- With respect to a focal point or the focusing of attention; in a concentrated or focused manner.
"A laser can be adjusted focally to concentrate its energy on a very small area."
"The lens was adjusted focally until the specimen filled the field of view."
"Her argument was less about the wider policy than about what was happening focally in each classroom."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does focally come from?
Focally was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to the adjective focal. Focal derives from Latin focus, meaning a hearth or fire and, by extension, the point from which light or other rays spread. The word was later applied in optics to the point at which rays converge or the plane in which an image forms, giving focal the technical associations retained in focally. The same Latin source underlies focus, focalize, and focalization.
How focally is actually used
Focally is uncommon and has a formal or technical tone, especially in optics and scientific writing. It may suggest either direct concentration on a particular point or a relation to an optical focus.
Easily confused with focally
Focally concerns a focus or concentrated attention, whereas locally concerns a particular place or locality.