center
Definitions
The middle point of something, equidistant from the edges; the point inside a circle equally distant from all points on the circumference.
中心，中点；圆心
A place where a particular activity is concentrated; a focal point.
中心，集中地（如 shopping center）；焦点
A player in a central position in sports such as basketball or football.
中锋（篮球、足球等运动中的中路球员）
To place something in the middle; to focus or base something on a particular thing.
使居中；以……为中心，集中于
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedThe bare root centr (from Greek kentron, the fixed spike of a compass) used directly as a word: the unmoving middle point everything else relates to. From the geometric center it widened to any focal point (a center of activity) and to the verb 'to put in the middle / focus on.'
Root centr still carries 9 more wordsUsage Guide
Spelling: 'center' is American English; British English writes 'centre' (same pronunciation, same word). The verb commonly takes 'on' or 'around/round': the debate centers on cost; the story centers around a family.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Draw a line from the center of the circle to its edge.
- 2.
The new shopping center opens downtown next month.
- 3.
Their entire lives center on raising their children.
- 4.
The center passed the ball back to the guard.
Synonym Comparison
- center — the exact middle point or main focal point
- middle — the general area between two ends, less precise than center
- core — the innermost, most essential part (the core of the issue)
- hub — a busy center of activity that things connect to (a transport hub)
- heart — the emotional or vital center (the heart of the city)