epicentrum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “epicentrum” 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 focal point or central point of something, especially a stressful, disruptive, or influential situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English uses 'epicentre'. American English uses 'epicenter'. No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
In both varieties, the metaphorical use is highly similar, implying a central, intense, often negative focal point. The technical use is neutral.
Frequency
The metaphorical use is more frequent than the technical use in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “epicentrum” in a Sentence
[the] epicentre of [NP][be] the epicentre[lie/located] at the epicentre of [NP][shift/identify/locate] the epicentreVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epicentrum” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The quake epicentred off the coast of Japan.
American English
- The quake epicentered off the coast of Japan.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The city is the epicentre of the nation's tech start-up scene.
Academic
The study aimed to trace the epicentre of the political unrest.
Everyday
The kitchen is the epicentre of activity in our house every morning.
Technical
Seismologists quickly located the earthquake's epicentre using triangulation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epicentrum”
- Using 'epicentre' to refer to the source or cause of something (it's the *surface point above* the source).
- Spelling: confusing 'epicentre' with 'epicenter' based on variety.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The epicentre is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the hypocentre (or focus), which is the actual underground point where the earthquake rupture originates.
No. While its original and technical meaning is seismological, it is very commonly used metaphorically to describe the central or focal point of any significant activity, crisis, or influence (e.g., 'epicentre of a scandal').
The spelling: British English spells it 'epicentre', American English spells it 'epicenter'. Pronunciation and meaning are otherwise identical.
Yes, though less common. It can describe a central point of positive activity or influence, e.g., 'The studio became the epicentre of creative innovation.' However, its connotations are often of intensity, crisis, or disruption.
The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus (hypocentre) of an earthquake.
Epicentrum is usually formal, technical, figurative in register.
Epicentrum: in British English it is pronounced /ˈepɪsentə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈepɪsentər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at the epicentre (of events/crisis)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'EPI-' (upon) + 'CENTRE' (centre). The epicentre is the point *upon* the Earth directly above the centre of the earthquake.
Conceptual Metaphor
EPICENTRE IS THE CENTRE OF INTENSITY / CRISIS / ACTIVITY.
Practice
Quiz
In its most literal, technical sense, 'epicentre' refers to: