Is 'centerpiece' the American spelling?

Yes, 'centerpiece' is the standard American English spelling, while 'centrepiece' is British.

Can 'centrepiece' be used for a person?

It is unusual and potentially objectifying. Use 'central figure' or 'star attraction' instead.

Is the word only used for physical objects?

No, its most common modern use is metaphorical, referring to the most important element of a plan, policy, argument, or event.

What is a simple synonym for the metaphorical use?

'Focal point' or 'key element' are good, slightly less formal synonyms.

Is “centrepiece” formal?

Centrepiece is usually formal to neutral in register.

How do you pronounce “centrepiece”?

Centrepiece: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntəpiːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntərpiːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

centrepiece: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈsɛntəpiːs/US/ˈsɛntərpiːs/

Formal to Neutral

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “centrepiece” mean?

An ornament or display placed in the middle of a dining table.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

An ornament or display placed in the middle of a dining table.

The most important or attractive feature of something, the part that draws the most attention or is central to its success.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling: 'centrepiece' (UK), 'centerpiece' (US).

Connotations

Identical in both varieties; used with equal frequency in metaphorical contexts.

Frequency

Slightly more common in UK English for the literal dining table item; metaphorical usage frequency is comparable.

Grammar

How to Use “centrepiece” in a Sentence

the centrepiece of [noun phrase]be/become the centrepieceserve as a centrepiece for [noun phrase]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

elaborate centrepiececentral centrepiecebecome the centrepiece ofform the centrepieceserve as a centrepiece

medium

floral centrepiecepolicy centrepieceeconomic centrepiececampaign centrepiecestrategic centrepiece

weak

beautiful centrepiecemain centrepieceannual centrepiececonference centrepieceexhibition centrepiece

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

The new product line is the centrepiece of our growth strategy.

Academic

The theorem forms the centrepiece of the entire theoretical framework.

Everyday

Her grandmother's vase was the centrepiece of the dinner table.

Technical

The experimental fusion reactor is the centrepiece of the research facility.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “centrepiece”

Strong

cornerstone centerpiece centrepiece linchpin

Neutral

focus highlight core heart

Weak

showpiece focal pointmain attractioncentrepiece

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “centrepiece”

peripheryside issuemarginal elementafterthought

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “centrepiece”

Using as a verb (e.g., 'The plan centrepieces innovation' - INCORRECT). Incorrect plural: 'centrepices' (CORRECT: 'centrepieces').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, 'centerpiece' is the standard American English spelling, while 'centrepiece' is British.
: It is unusual and potentially objectifying. Use 'central figure' or 'star attraction' instead.
: No, its most common modern use is metaphorical, referring to the most important element of a plan, policy, argument, or event.
: 'Focal point' or 'key element' are good, slightly less formal synonyms.
: Centrepiece is usually formal to neutral in register.
: Centrepiece: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntəpiːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntərpiːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“[not a common source for idioms]”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

CENTRE (middle) + PIECE (item) = the main item placed in the centre.

Conceptual Metaphor

IMPORTANCE IS CENTRALITY / THE FOUNDATION IS THE CENTRAL SUPPORT.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The new sculpture will serve as the of the city's renovated central square.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences uses 'centrepiece' metaphorically?