centre

[ˈsɛntər]

centre Definition

  • 1the point that is equally distant from every point on the circumference of a circle or sphere
  • 2a place where a specified activity is concentrated
  • 3the middle point of a line, figure, or body

Using centre: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "centre" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The centre of the room was empty.

  • Example

    The city centre is always busy.

  • Example

    The company has a research centre in California.

  • Example

    She hit the ball right in the centre of the racket.

centre Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for centre

Antonyms for centre

Idioms Using centre

  • to be the most important part of something

    Example

    The new policy is at the centre of the debate.

  • to return to the original position or situation

    Example

    After years of traveling, she came full circle and returned to her hometown.

  • off-centre

    not exactly in the middle of something

    Example

    The picture on the wall is slightly off-centre.

Phrases with centre

  • the person or thing that everyone is interested in

    Example

    She loves being the centre of attention.

  • the point within an object where its weight is evenly balanced in all directions

    Example

    The centre of gravity of the car shifted when he turned the corner too fast.

  • the commercial, cultural, and often the historical, political and geographic heart of a city

    Example

    The city centre is always crowded with tourists.

Origins of centre

from Old French 'centre', from Latin 'centrum', meaning 'point of the stationary leg of a pair of compasses'

📌

Summary: centre in Brief

The term 'centre' [ˈsɛntər] refers to a point equidistant from all points on a circle or sphere, as well as a place where a particular activity is concentrated. It can also refer to the middle point of a line, figure, or body. Examples include 'The city centre is always busy,' and 'She hit the ball right in the centre of the racket.' Phrases like 'centre of attention' and idioms like 'come full circle' extend the concept of centrality, while 'off-centre' denotes deviation from the middle.

How do native speakers use this expression?