Centre Meaning and Definition
Centre
Pronunciation
/ˈsɛntr/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A point, area, or location that is equally distant from the extremes, a middle part, or a place from which movements or actions radiate.
Examples
- The conference was held at the centre of the city.
- The centre of the target was hit.
Synonyms
- Middle
- Hub
- Core
Antonyms
- Periphery
- Edge
- Extreme
Etymology
The word “centre” comes from the Old French “centrier”, meaning “to center”, which is derived from the Latin “centrum”, meaning “middle” or “center”.
Additional Information
A centre is a vital part of many systems, including transportation, communication, and government. In physics, the centre of mass is a theoretical point where the entire mass of an object can be considered to be concentrated. In everyday language, a centre is often used to describe a location that is central to an event, an idea, or a system.
Usage Notes
The word “centre” is often used interchangeably with “center”, but the latter is more commonly used in American English, while the former is used in British English and other parts of the English-speaking world.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the concept of a centre is often used metaphorically to describe a point of unity, balance, or coordination. For example, in the Star Wars franchise, the Death Star’s command centre is a central hub of operations.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Be at the centre of attention: to be the focus of attention or admiration. Centre stage: the main part of a performance or presentation. Centre of gravity: the point where the weight of an object can be considered to be concentrated.
Related Words or Phrases
- Middle
- Hub
- Core
- Periphery
- Edge
- Extreme
Collocations
- at the centre of
- centre stage
- centre of attention
- centre of gravity
Frequency of Use
The word “centre” is a common English word with a wide range of usage across various contexts, from science and technology to everyday language.
Common Misspellings
- Centur
- Centurie
- Centare