centre
gb/sˈɛntɚ/ us/sˈɛntɚ/
A2
English
~ 500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Middle point or area
The middle part of something, the same distance from all sides.
Usage pattern:
the centre of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'centre' with 'middle' in abstract contexts; 'centre' often implies a precise point or a focal area, while 'middle' can be more general.
Synonyms
middle (More general term for the midpoint; less formal and not always spatially exact.)
Antonyms
edge (Refers to the outer limit or boundary, opposite of the middle.)
Collocations
city centre
|centre of attention
|centre stage
|centre point
|centre circle
Themes
geometry
|daily life
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The statue stands in the centre of the square.
- He drew a dot in the exact centre of the page.
- The table was placed at the centre of the room.
- London's West End is considered the cultural centre of the city.
Learner examples
- The ball is in the centre of the field.
- She stood in the centre of the room.
- There is a park in the centre of town.
Noun
A2
entity
2
Main place for activity
A building or place where certain activities happen.
Usage pattern:
[type of] centre
Synonyms
hub (Often used figuratively; suggests a central or most important place for activity.)
Antonyms
periphery (The outer area far from the main activity.)
Collocations
shopping centre
|sports centre
|community centre
|conference centre
Themes
business
|education
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The town has a new leisure centre with a swimming pool.
- Our company’s training centre is located near the airport.
- The conference will be held at the international convention centre.
Learner examples
- We went to the sports centre to play basketball.
- The shopping centre has many stores.
- She works at a community centre.
Verb
B1
action
3
Place in the middle
To put something in the middle of a space.
Usage pattern:
to centre [something] [somewhere]
Synonyms
align (To arrange something properly, which may include centering but can also refer to other positions.)
Antonyms
offset (To move something away from the middle position.)
Collocations
centre the text
|centre a picture
|centre yourself
Themes
daily life
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Please centre the title on the page.
- She centred the vase on the table.
- The camera should be centred on the subject.
Learner examples
- Centre the photo on the wall.
- He centred his name on the paper.
- I centred my chair between theirs.
Noun
B2
entity
4
Core or key part
The most important part of something.
Synonyms
focus (Emphasizes concentration of attention or effort rather than physical location.)
Antonyms
margins (Areas far from importance or influence.)
Collocations
centre of attention
|centre of power
|centre of interest
Themes
abstract concepts
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The issue of climate change is at the centre of political debate.
- She loves being at the centre of attention.
- Education reform is at the centre of their campaign.
Learner examples
- He is at the centre of this problem.
- She is at the centre of our team.
- Money is at the centre of their plan.
Grammar
Dictionary form
centre
IPA
GB/sˈɛntɚ/
US/sˈɛntɚ/
Syllables & stress
centre (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (centre)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: centre
- Variant Spelling: center
- Plural: centres
Verb
- Base: centre
- Variant Spelling: center
- 3rd Person Singular: centres
- Present Participle: centring
- Past: centred
Word family
Forms
Core family
central
adjective A2
centrally
adverb
Related words
centralise
verb C1
Negative and opposite forms
decentralise
verb C1
Advanced or less common
centralisation
noun C1
centrality
noun
Highlights
- Spelling Variant: center Verb
- Spelling Variant: center Noun
Expressions
centre around/on something
1/sˈɛntɚ ˈɑɹˈaʊndən sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Have as main focus/topic
To be mainly about something, or to have it as your main interest.
Examples
- The discussion centred on ways to improve safety.
- Our holiday plans centred around visiting family.
centre of attention
1/sˈɛntɚ əv ətˈɛnʃən/
fixed phrase
Person everyone notices most
The person or thing that everyone is looking at or talking about.
Examples
- She was the centre of attention at her birthday party.
- The unusual painting became the centre of attention in the gallery.
city centre
1/sˈɪti sˈɛntɚ/
fixed phrase
Main commercial area of city
The main part of a city where there are many shops, offices, and other businesses.
Examples
- We stayed in a hotel right in the city centre.
- Traffic is always heavy in the city centre during rush hour.
take centre stage
1/tˈeɪk sˈɛntɚ stˈeɪd͡ʒ/
idiom
Become most important focus
To become the most important thing or person in a situation.
Examples
- Environmental issues took centre stage during the conference.
- She took centre stage with her powerful speech.