centre of gravity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “centre of gravity” mean?
The point in an object or system around which its weight is evenly balanced.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The point in an object or system around which its weight is evenly balanced.
The most important or influential part of something; the focal point of activity, concern, or stability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary difference is spelling: 'centre' (BrE) vs. 'center' (AmE). The phrase is more common in BrE, where the spelling 'centre' is standard. In AmE, 'center of gravity' is used.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in BrE, but common in AmE technical and military writing.
Grammar
How to Use “centre of gravity” in a Sentence
[NP] has a low/high centre of gravity.The centre of gravity [VP].to shift the centre of gravity of [NP].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “centre of gravity” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new policy will centre the organisation's gravity on sustainability.
American English
- The strategy centers the company's gravity on innovation.
adjective
British English
- The centre-of-gravity calculations are critical for the design.
American English
- Center-of-gravity analysis was performed by the engineers.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe the main area of economic activity or strategic focus, e.g., 'The centre of gravity in global trade is shifting to Asia.'
Academic
Used in physics, engineering, and military science to describe the theoretical point where weight is balanced.
Everyday
Often used when discussing vehicle stability or sports (e.g., a footballer's low centre of gravity).
Technical
A precise term in mechanics, aerodynamics, and design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centre of gravity”
- Using 'center of gravity' in a BrE context where 'centre' is required.
- Confusing 'centre of gravity' with 'centre of mass' (very similar but not identical in precise physics).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In a uniform gravitational field, they are the same point. In precise scientific contexts with non-uniform fields, 'centre of mass' is used for the distribution of mass, and 'centre of gravity' for the point where the weight force acts.
No, in British English the correct spelling is 'centre of gravity'. 'Center' is the American English spelling.
Use it to describe the main focus, power base, or most influential part of an organisation, market, or situation, e.g., 'The centre of gravity in the debate has moved towards environmental concerns.'
A low centre of gravity makes a vehicle more stable and less likely to roll over during sharp turns or on slopes.
The point in an object or system around which its weight is evenly balanced.
Centre of gravity is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Centre of gravity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsen.tər əv ˈɡræv.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsen.t̬ɚ əv ˈɡræv.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A low centre of gravity (for stability).”
- “The centre of gravity has shifted (meaning focus has changed).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a gymnast on a balance beam. The point where they could balance perfectly without falling is their centre of gravity.
Conceptual Metaphor
BALANCE IS STABILITY; THE CORE IS THE FOUNDATION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the American English spelling of 'centre of gravity'?