ENGLISH
REFERENCE

central

n.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈsɛntɹəɫ// UK //sˈɛntɹəl// cen·tral General-service

n. located in the middle of something or being the most important part of a plan or activity. You use this to describe the main point of a story or the heart of a city.

n. situated at or near the middle point of an area; alternatively, of primary importance or influence within a system or hierarchy.


SIMPLE

The hotel is in a very central location.

CONTEXTUAL

The central theme of the novel is the struggle between tradition and modern technology.

COMPLEX

While the peripheral issues were resolved quickly, the central conflict regarding budget allocation remained a point of contention for the board.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Latin centrālis, from centrum (“centre”), from Ancient Greek κέντρον (kéntron); by surface analysis, centre + -al.

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often used with the preposition 'to' when indicating importance.

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