focus-group
Meaning
A small group of people brought together to discuss and give their opinions about a product, political campaign, etc., so that those organizing it can learn what is popular or effective.
Structure
Usage
The company used a focus-group to test consumer reactions to the new packaging design.
Before finalizing the campaign slogan, the politician's team conducted several focus-groups.
The feedback from the focus-group was invaluable in identifying potential issues with the software's user interface.
Etymology
The term is a modern compound, originating in mid-20th century market research and social science. The first element, 'focus', draws on its Latin origin meaning 'hearth'—the central, vital point of a home—to metaphorically represent the central topic of concentrated discussion. The second element, 'group', has a winding history from a Germanic root for 'knot' or 'cluster', entering English via Romance languages to denote an assemblage. Combined, the term logically constructs the image of a cluster of people gathered around a central topic of inquiry, their collective attention and conversation serving as a tool to illuminate public opinion, much as a hearth illuminates and gathers a household.
Analysis
- focus: From Latin focus (hearth, fireplace), used in post-classical Latin to denote a point of convergence. In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning the central subject of interest or activity. - group: From French groupe, ultimately from Italian gruppo, of Germanic origin. It functions as a noun meaning an assemblage of persons or things.