defocus

USAGE SUMMARY

"defocus" is a valid word in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the act of changing the focal distance of a lens, turning one's focus away from something, or generally blurring something out. Example sentence: When the bright sun caused me to squint, I asked my friend to defocus my camera so I could take a better picture.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The technique, called image defocus, involves blurring out objects in the distance while keeping closer ones sharp.

The New York Times - Science

(www.Onavo.com) OptimumCS-Pro This app finds the lens settings that minimize the blurring caused by defocus and diffraction, so that you can get the sharpest images from your D.S.L.R. that the laws of optics will allow.

The New York Times

Until now, few pocket cameras could defocus the background at all".

The New York Times

The two cameras also have a 12.2 megapixel sensor, can record HD video and offer a range of new technologies, including "background defocus," which can give the image more depth and "superior auto mode," which can offer crisper images than other point-and-shoot cameras.

The New York Times

Sony's also included a load of fancy camera apps that allow fun effects like background defocus (very similar to Samsung's selective focus), insert dinosaurs into a picture, or use the "Timeshift" burst mode (which captures about 30 frames per second) to capture a series of images in rapid succession before and after the user hits the shutter button to grab the best shot.

The Guardian - Tech

Increasingly the subject lines convey no meaning at all: "begonia breadfruit extempore defocus purveyor".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Prime examples are for images aberrated by astigmatism, defocussing, or image motion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kepler's concept of an image as being formed by the crossing of rays was limited in that it took no account of possible unsharpness caused by aberrations, diffraction, or even defocussing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hence, for example, an impulse response can be defined for an optical system that is deliberately defocussed or for systems used for the display of Fresnel or Fraunhofer diffraction patterns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Matsoukas played with the clean-dirty axis at the level of the film stock for "Why Don't You Love Me?": "We shot on Super 8-millimeter and 16-millimeter (for safety)," she told me in an e-mail message, "and later on went and 'dirtied' up the 16-millimeter to match the Super 8-millimeter by adding grain and dirt and defocusing the sharpness of the images".

The New York Times - Magazine

"The way I use it, it's not merely a line of focus, but a plane that can go back through the space of the picture, keeping certain objects sharp and others defocused, reflecting a plane in the three-dimensional scene".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defocus" in the context of photography, consider specifying what is being defocused (e.g., "defocus the background").

Common error

Avoid using "defocus" when you mean to simply imply a lack of attention or interest. While it can mean to divert attention, it is most accurately used when relating to lenses or image quality.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "defocus" is as a verb. It describes the action of intentionally making something out of focus, particularly in the context of optics and photography. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the act of changing the focal distance of a lens.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "defocus" functions primarily as a verb, used to describe the act of intentionally making something out of focus, especially in the context of photography and optics. As Ludwig AI points out, it refers to the intentional adjustment of focal distance. Its usage is grammatically correct, although somewhat uncommon, and most frequently appears in news and media. Common related phrases include "blur", "lose focus", and "blur the background". When using "defocus", it's important to be specific about what is being defocused and to avoid using it in contexts where a simple lack of attention is meant. According to Ludwig, you can use it when you want to refer to the act of changing the focal distance of a lens, turning one's focus away from something, or generally blurring something out.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blur

This alternative refers to making something indistinct or less clear, similar to losing focus.

lose focus

This phrase directly implies a shift away from the intended point of attention.

blur the background

Specifically relates to blurring the background in photography, similar to using "defocus" in a photographic context.

shift focus

Indicates changing the point of attention, akin to intentionally altering focus.

divert attention

Implies drawing attention away from something, relating to a broader concept of shifting focus.

soften the image

Refers to making an image less sharp, akin to defocusing.

obscure

To make something difficult to see or understand, similar to blurring.

lack clarity

This phrase expresses a lack of sharpness or definition.

make indistinct

Emphasizes the act of making something less clear and defined.

diffuse

To spread out or scatter, reducing clarity and focus.

FAQs

How can I use "defocus" in a sentence?

You can use "defocus" to describe intentionally blurring an image, as in "The photographer decided to "defocus the background" to highlight the subject."

What's the difference between "defocus" and "blur"?

"Defocus" specifically relates to adjusting a lens to make an image less sharp, while "blur" is a more general term for making something indistinct or unclear. You can "blur the background", but when you do so with the intent to manipulate the lens settings, you "defocus the image".

Is "defocusing" a correct word?

Yes, "defocusing" is the present participle and gerund form of "defocus", used to describe the act of causing something to be out of focus. For instance: "Defocusing the image created a dreamy effect."

What are some other ways to say "defocus" in a photography context?

In photography, you might use phrases like ""blur the background"", "create a shallow depth of field", or "soften the focus" instead of "defocus".