centerpiece
B2Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
The most important or prominent item in a group or display.
A central or focal element, object, or feature designed to attract attention and symbolize the main theme or purpose of a collection, arrangement, or event.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. Implies centrality in both position and importance, often with an aesthetic or symbolic function. Can be used literally (an object) or metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'centrepiece', US 'centerpiece'. No differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US English, consistent with 'center' being the dominant spelling in many compounds.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] the centerpiece of [NP][make] [NP] the centerpiece of [NP][serve] as the centerpiece for [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The centerpiece of the argument”
- “The centerpiece of the collection”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The new policy is the centerpiece of our corporate strategy.
Academic
This theorem forms the centerpiece of the entire mathematical framework.
Everyday
She made a beautiful floral centerpiece for the dinner table.
Technical
The reactor core is the centerpiece of the power plant's design.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She put a flower centerpiece on the table.
- The big cake was the centerpiece of the party.
- The charity auction was the centrepiece of the village fête.
- The new bridge became the centerpiece of the city's development plans.
- The artist's most famous painting served as the centerpiece of the exhibition.
- The proposed tax cut formed the centrepiece of the government's economic policy.
- While the ceasefire agreement was heralded as a breakthrough, the contentious issue of disarmament remained the unresolved centerpiece of the negotiations.
- The symphony's intricately developed second movement, rather than its bombastic finale, is the true centrepiece of the entire work.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CENTER + PIECE. Imagine a puzzle where the most important piece goes right in the CENTER.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS CENTRALITY / SIGNIFICANCE IS BEING AT THE HEART OF SOMETHING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation 'центральный кусок' or 'серединный кусочек'. Use 'центральный элемент', 'главный экспонат', or 'ключевой момент' depending on context.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling confusion (centre/center). Using for minor items. Overusing as a synonym for 'important thing' without the central/focal connotation.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'centerpiece' used most metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Centrepiece' is standard British English spelling; 'centerpiece' is standard American English spelling.
Yes, but usually in a metaphorical sense, e.g., 'She was the centerpiece of the marketing campaign,' meaning she was its focal point.
'Centerpiece' implies a central, often foundational or unifying element. 'Highlight' implies a peak moment or best part, not necessarily central.
It is neutral but leans towards formal contexts, especially in metaphorical use. In literal decorative contexts, it is everyday.
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