Center — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Center
Center (noun)
- the point around which a circle or sphere is described; broadly, a point that is related to a geometrical figure in such a way that for any point on the figure there is another point on the figure such that a straight line joining the two points is bisected by the original point —called also center of symmetry
- the center of the circle inscribed in a regular polygon
- a point, area, person, or thing that is most important or pivotal in relation to an indicated activity, interest, or condition
Center (verb)
- to place or fix at or around a center or central area
- to give a central focus or basis
- to adjust (things, such as lenses) so that the axes coincide
Center (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest
"a stretch of coastline that has long been the area's center of tourism"
-
an area or point that is an equal distance from all points along an edge or outer surface
"the center of the earth"
Center (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
to bring (something) to a central point or under a single control
"centered administrative duties under the command of a single person"
-
to fix (as one's attention) steadily toward a central objective
"the students centered their attention on final exams"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Center
The most common words with a similar meaning to Center:
Antonyms & Opposite Words for Center
Words with the opposite meaning of Center:
Near Antonyms of Center
Word Forms of Center
Inflections: centered, centering
Derived words: centerless (adjective)
Origin & Etymology of Center
Middle English centre, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin centrum "point of the stationary leg of a pair of compasses, midpoint of a circle or sphere," borrowed from Greek kéntron "sting, goad, point, stationary point of a pair of compasses, midpoint of a circle or sphere," probably reshaping (after the base verb kenteîn) of késtron "toothed implement, name for several nettle-like plants," from kentéō, kenteîn "to sting, goad, prick" (going back to Indo-European *ḱent-, *ḱnt- "sting, prick," whence Old High German hantag "pointed," Latvian sīts "hunting spear") + -tron, suffix of instruments
First known use: 14th century
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Center
- CEFR level: A1 English Vocabulary — Page 3
- Topics: Places & Transportation
Words & Phrases Containing Center
Frequently Asked Questions about Center
What does "Center" mean?
"Center" means the point around which a circle or sphere is described; broadly, a point that is related to a geometrical figure in such a way that for any point on the figure there is another point on the figure such that a straight line joining the two points is bisected by the original point —called also center of symmetry. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: the point around which a circle or sphere is described; broadly, a point that is related to a geometrical figure in such a way that for any point on the figure there is another point on the figure such that a straight line joining the two points is bisected by the original point —called also center of symmetry. It has 4 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Center"?
Other words for "Center" include axis, base, capital, central, core, cynosure, epicenter and eye. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Center" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Center"?
There are 90 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Center". Common alternatives include axis, base, capital, central, core, cynosure, epicenter, eye, focus and ground zero.
What is the opposite of "Center"?
Antonyms of "Center" include perimeter, periphery, decentralize, deconcentrate and spread (out). Near antonyms include segregate and separate.
How do you use "Center" in a sentence?
Examples of "Center" in a sentence: "a stretch of coastline that has long been the area's center of tourism"; "the center of the earth"; "centered administrative duties under the command of a single person".
Is "Center" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Center" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.
Is "Center" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As an A1-level word, "Center" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.
How do you pronounce "Center"?
"Center" is pronounced /ˈsen-tər/ and divided into syllables as cen·ter.