What does "bifocals" mean?
Spectacles that have corrective lenses of two different powers; used by people who need both distance and reading glasses.
Bifocals
noun
noun ·3 syllables ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Spectacles that have corrective lenses of two different powers; used by people who need both distance and reading glasses.
- Grammar: bifocals is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: bifocal, bifocal glasses, bifocal lens, blinkers.
- Useful contrasts: monofocal glasses, monofocal lens, single vision glasses.
- Usage evidence: Lenses with two distinct optical powers are also called "bifocals".
How to use "bifocals"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "bifocals" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "bifocals" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "bifocals" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Spectacles that have corrective lenses of two different powers; used by people who need both distance and reading glasses. plural, plural-only
"He unfolded a pair of bifocals and thrust them as far up the bridge of his nose as possible."
- 2 (plural) eyeglasses having two focal lengths, one for near vision and the other for far vision wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Lenses with two distinct optical powers are also called "bifocals"."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "bifocals"?
Common synonyms include: bifocal, bifocal glasses, bifocal lens, blinkers, cheaters, colored glasses.
How do you use "bifocals" in a sentence?
Lenses with two distinct optical powers are also called "bifocals".
Etymology
From bi- + focal (see focus), coined in 1824 by John Isaac Hawkins, inventor of trifocals. When the concept of bifocals was originally conceived by Benjamin Franklin, he called them double spectacles.