ENGLISH
REFERENCE

centered

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsɛntɝd// UK //sˈɛntəd// cen·tered

v. to have something as the most important part or the main focus. You use this when one topic or person is the middle of all the action.

v. to place or fix in the middle; to base an activity or interest around a specific person or thing. Often used in the passive voice to indicate the primary focus of a discussion or study.


SIMPLE

The whole discussion centered on the new budget.

CONTEXTUAL

The documentary centered on the lives of three families living in the remote mountains of Peru.

COMPLEX

The debate centered on whether the proposed legislation would actually protect civil liberties or merely provide a legal framework for further government surveillance.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is often used with the prepositions 'on', 'around', or 'upon'.

Pitfall

The story centered in a small townThe story centered on a small townWhen describing a focus or topic, the verb requires 'on' or 'around' rather than 'in'.

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