bifocal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Medical, Technical, Everyday (within specific context)
Quick answer
What does “bifocal” mean?
A lens or pair of eyeglasses having two sections with different focal lengths, typically one for distance and one for near vision.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A lens or pair of eyeglasses having two sections with different focal lengths, typically one for distance and one for near vision.
Having two distinct points of view, focuses, or purposes; serving two different functions or applications.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The word itself is identical in spelling and use. British English more commonly uses 'varifocal' for the related lens technology.
Connotations
Neutral technical/medical term. Can carry mild connotations of age (associated with presbyopia). The metaphorical use is intellectual.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to larger market and branding of 'Bifocals' as a common term.
Grammar
How to Use “bifocal” in a Sentence
ADJ + N (bifocal lens)V + N (wear bifocals)N of N (a pair of bifocals)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bifocal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The optician recommended bifocal lenses for reading and driving.
- His bifocal spectacles had a very subtle line.
American English
- She got a new pair of bifocal glasses after her eye exam.
- The policy took a bifocal view, addressing both short-term and long-term issues.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in marketing optical products.
Academic
Used in optics, ophthalmology, and physiology papers.
Everyday
Common when discussing vision correction, especially for middle-aged and older adults.
Technical
Standard term in optometry and optical engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bifocal”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bifocal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bifocal”
- Incorrect spelling: 'bifocul', 'bifocle'. Incorrect plural for the noun form: 'bifocal' (for the glasses). Correct plural is 'bifocals'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Bifocals have two distinct lens areas (near and far) with a visible line. Varifocals (or progressives) have a seamless gradient of multiple focal lengths without a line.
No, 'bifocal' is not a standard verb in English. It is primarily an adjective and a noun (plural: bifocals).
It is rare. It can be used metaphorically in formal or academic writing to describe a dual perspective (e.g., a bifocal analysis), but this is a specialised usage.
It is a modern compound word formed in English from the prefix 'bi-' (meaning 'two') and the word 'focal' (relating to a focus). It was coined in the 19th century.
A lens or pair of eyeglasses having two sections with different focal lengths, typically one for distance and one for near vision.
Bifocal is usually formal, medical, technical, everyday (within specific context) in register.
Bifocal: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪˈfəʊ.kəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪˈfoʊ.kəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms based on 'bifocal'. The word itself is used metaphorically.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BI (two) + FOCAL (point of focus) = having two points of focus.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISION / FOCUS IS UNDERSTANDING (e.g., 'a bifocal approach to the problem').
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, what does a 'bifocal approach' imply?