epicentre: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “epicentre” mean?
The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus (hypocentre) of an earthquake.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus (hypocentre) of an earthquake.
The central or focal point of a significant activity, event, or situation, especially something difficult or intense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'epicentre' (UK) vs. 'epicenter' (US). No difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equal frequency in technical and figurative contexts in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “epicentre” in a Sentence
The epicentre of [NP][NP] is the epicentre of [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The city is the epicentre of the country's fintech innovation.
Academic
The study aims to locate the epicentre of the seismic event with greater precision.
Everyday
My kitchen became the epicentre of the party.
Technical
Seismologists calculated the epicentre using data from three monitoring stations.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epicentre”
- Confusing 'epicentre' (surface point) with 'hypocentre' or 'focus' (underground origin point).
- Misspelling as 'epicenter' in British English contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The epicentre is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the hypocentre (or focus), which is the actual point underground where the earthquake rupture begins.
Yes, although it often carries connotations of crisis or intensity, it can be used neutrally or positively for any central focal point of significant activity, e.g., 'the epicentre of innovation'.
Yes, the figurative extension is well-established and standard in formal writing, journalism, and academic discourse.
In British English, it is pronounced /ˈɛp.ɪ.sen.tər/, with the stress on the first syllable 'EP-i-sen-ter'.
The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus (hypocentre) of an earthquake.
Epicentre is usually formal, technical, journalistic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no specific idioms; the word itself is often used figuratively]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
EPI-CENTRE: Think of 'EPI' as 'upon' and 'CENTRE' as the middle. It's the point *upon* the centre (of the earthquake underground).
Conceptual Metaphor
CENTRAL POINT IS AN EPICENTRE (for significant, often radiating, activity).
Practice
Quiz
In its most common figurative use, 'epicentre' typically refers to: