VocabDictionary

center

/ˈsɛn.tər/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The middle point or part of something, equidistant from all extremes.

Example Sentences:
  • She placed the vase in the exact center of the dining table.
  • The city center was crowded with weekend shoppers.
2.verb

To place or position something at or around a central point.

Example Sentences:
  • Center the image on the page before printing.
  • Her professional life centers around medical research.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “center”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'centrum', which comes from the Greek 'kentron', meaning 'sharp point' or 'goad' (the point about which a pair of compasses turns), eventually broadening in Late Latin and Middle French to mean the middle point of a circle or figure.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of drawing a circle with a compass; the sharp point in the exact **center** is the 'kentron'.

Frequently Asked Questions About “center

1. What is the meaning of “center” in English?

In English, center (noun) is defined as: “The middle point or part of something, equidistant from all extremes.”.

2. How do you use “center” in a sentence?

She placed the vase in the exact center of the dining table.

3. What are English synonyms of “center”?

Common synonyms include:middle,core,heart,focus

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “center”?

Derived from the Latin 'centrum', which comes from the Greek 'kentron', meaning 'sharp point' or 'goad' (the point about which a pair of compasses turns), eventually broadening in Late Latin and Middle French to mean the middle point of a circle or figure.