What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
epicenter
Example
The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Pacific Ocean. [epicenter: noun]
Example
The epicenter of the pandemic was Wuhan, China. [epicenter: noun]
center
Example
The center of the room was empty. [center: noun]
Example
The company's headquarters are located in the city center. [center: noun]
Example
The debate centered around the issue of climate change. [center: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Center is more commonly used than epicenter in everyday language due to its versatility and broad range of meanings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between epicenter and center?
Epicenter is more formal and technical than center, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.