Centered: meaning, definitions and examples

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centered

 

[ ˈsɛntərd ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

physical placement

Centered refers to being in the middle or at an equal distance from all sides. It can describe the position of an object in a space where it is aligned with the midpoint. This term is often used in design, where elements are arranged symmetrically. Additionally, it can imply a focus on a particular point or theme in various contexts, such as in discussions or presentations.

Synonyms

balanced, equidistant, focused, middle.

Examples of usage

  • The painting is centered on the wall.
  • She always tries to keep her thoughts centered around positivity.
  • The table is centered in the dining room.
  • The logo should be centered on the page.
Context #2 | Verb

mental focus

To center means to focus one’s attention or resources on a particular point or idea. It implies the act of organizing thoughts and efforts around a core theme or principle. This can be applied in mindfulness practices where one aims to achieve a centered state of mind. The verb form is often used in a directive sense, urging someone to concentrate on a specified aspect.

Synonyms

align, concentrate, focus, organize.

Examples of usage

  • You need to center your thoughts before making a decision.
  • She centered on her breathing during meditation.
  • The coach encouraged the players to center their energy on the game.
  • He centered his research on climate change solutions.

Translations

Translations of the word "centered" in other languages:

🇵🇹 centralizado

🇮🇳 केंद्रित

🇩🇪 zentriert

🇮🇩 terpusat

🇺🇦 центрований

🇵🇱 wyśrodkowany

🇯🇵 中央の

🇫🇷 centré

🇪🇸 centrado

🇹🇷 merkezli

🇰🇷 중앙의

🇸🇦 مركزية

🇨🇿 vycentrovaný

🇸🇰 vycentrovaný

🇨🇳 居中的

🇸🇮 središčni

🇮🇸 miðlægur

🇰🇿 орталық

🇬🇪 ცენტრალური

🇦🇿 mərkəzləşdirilmiş

🇲🇽 centrado

Etymology

The word 'centered' is derived from the Middle English term 'centere', which itself comes from the Latin 'centrum'. The Latin term originates from the Greek 'kentron', meaning 'sharp point' or 'sharp end of a tool'. Over time, the concept evolved from a physical point to encompass abstract ideas of focus and balance. By the 15th century, 'center' was established in English as a noun, referring to the middle point of something, and by the 19th century, it took on the verb form 'to center', meaning to place something at the center. The adjective form 'centered' reflects a completeness or wholeness, indicating that something is well-placed or balanced. Today, 'centered' is often used in various contexts, from physical arrangement to mental and emotional states.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,546 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.