Core — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb abbreviation /ˈkȯr/

Meaning & Definition of Core

Core (noun)

  1. a central and often foundational part usually distinct from the enveloping part by a difference in nature
  2. the usually inedible central part of some fruits (such as a pineapple); especially, the papery or leathery carpels composing the ripened ovary in a pome fruit (such as an apple)
  3. the muscles of the mid-region of the torso
  4. a group of people

Core (verb)

  1. to remove a core from

Core (abbreviation)

  1. Congress of Racial Equality

Core (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the seat of one's deepest thoughts and emotions

    "in my very core I knew that an injustice was being committed"

    related: conscience, mind
  2. a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest

    "the capitol building is the core of the political life of the state"

  3. the central part or aspect of something under consideration

    "at last, we come to the core of the issue that has been dividing us"

  4. the main or greater part of something as distinguished from its subordinate parts

    "a starfish can even survive the division of its core into two parts; both halves then regenerate"

    similar: body, brunt, bulk, chief, generality, heft (archaic), main, mass, staple, weight
  5. an area or point that is an equal distance from all points along an edge or outer surface

    "the mountain rises from ground that is almost precisely at the island's core"

    related: inside, interior
    opposite: perimeter, periphery

Related Entry: Core cities (noun)

Core cities is a different word from Core. The synonyms below are for core cities, not for core.

  1. as in downtowns, inner cities

Related Entry: Core city (noun)

Core city is a different word from Core. The synonyms below are for core city, not for core.

  1. as in downtown, inner city

Related Entry: Hard-core (adjective)

Hard-core is a different word from Core. The synonyms below are for hard-core, not for core.

  1. firmly established over time

    "the hard-core habits that generate our mountains of trash everyday will be extremely difficult to change"

Related Entry: Soft-core (adjective)

Soft-core is a different word from Core. The synonyms below are for soft-core, not for core.

  1. as in hard-core

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Core

The most common words with a similar meaning to Core:

Archaic: heft

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Core

Words with the opposite meaning of Core:

Near Antonyms of Core

Word Forms of Core

Inflections: cores, cored, coring

Derived words: corer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Core

Middle English, of obscure origin

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Core

Words & Phrases Containing Core

Frequently Asked Questions about Core

What does "Core" mean?

"Core" means a central and often foundational part usually distinct from the enveloping part by a difference in nature. As an a noun, a verb and an abbreviation, it is defined as: a central and often foundational part usually distinct from the enveloping part by a difference in nature. It has 5 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Core"?

Other words for "Core" include belly, blood, bone(s), bosom, breast, gut, heart and heartstrings. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Core" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Core"?

There are 117 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Core". Common alternatives include belly, blood, bone(s), bosom, breast, gut, heart, heartstrings, inner space and inside.

What is the opposite of "Core"?

Antonyms of "Core" include perimeter and periphery. Near antonyms include accessory, adjunct, appendage and extension.

How do you use "Core" in a sentence?

Examples of "Core" in a sentence: "in my very core I knew that an injustice was being committed"; "the capitol building is the core of the political life of the state"; "at last, we come to the core of the issue that has been dividing us".

Is "Core" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Core" can be used as a noun, a verb and an abbreviation, depending on the context.

Is "Core" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Core" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Core"?

"Core" is pronounced /ˈkȯr/.