concenter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / ArchaicFormal, Literary, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “concenter” mean?
to bring or come together at a single point or in a common focus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to bring or come together at a single point or in a common focus; to concentrate.
To direct one's attention, efforts, or emotions intensely toward a single subject, goal, or location; to converge.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'concentre' is a recognized British variant, though both are rare. 'Concenter' with 'er' is the standard American spelling.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or literary texts as 'concentre'. In modern use, it sounds deliberately archaic or stylistic in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. 'Concentrate' is overwhelmingly preferred. 'Concenter' might appear in poetry, philosophy, or deliberately ornate prose.
Grammar
How to Use “concenter” in a Sentence
[Subject] concenters ([intransitive])[Subject] concenters [Object] ([transitive])[Subject] concenters [Object] on/upon/around [Goal]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “concenter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The poet's imagery seemed to concentre on the theme of lost time.
- All his hopes were concentred on winning the scholarship.
American English
- The novel's plot concenters on a single, fateful decision.
- She concentered her formidable intellect on solving the puzzle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. 'Focus' or 'concentrate' are used instead.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical texts or literary analysis discussing themes of unity or focus.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts; 'converge' or 'focus' are standard.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “concenter”
- Using 'concenter' in place of 'concentrate' in modern, neutral writing or speech.
- Misspelling as 'concentrate' when trying to use the archaic form.
- Using it intransitively without a clear implied object (e.g., 'The discussion concentered' is odd).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. It is an older, now rare variant. 'Concentrate' is the standard modern form in all contexts.
Almost certainly not, unless you are deliberately aiming for an archaic, poetic, or highly stylized effect. 'Concentrate', 'focus', or 'center on' are better choices.
The recognized British variant is 'concentre' (ending in '-re'), though it is equally rare. 'Concenter' (with '-er') is standard American.
Yes, though it's rare. For example: 'The debate finally concentered on the key issue.' More often, it is used transitively with an object like 'thoughts', 'efforts', or 'attention'.
to bring or come together at a single point or in a common focus.
Concenter is usually formal, literary, archaic in register.
Concenter: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈsɛntə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈsɛntər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONCERT where all sound waves CONCENTER on your ears, or a CONCENTRIC circle where all lines center on the same point.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTENTION/ENERGY IS A FLUID THAT CAN BE CHANNELED TO A SINGLE POINT.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts would the word 'concenter' be LEAST appropriate?