Centred vs. Centered: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Centred" and "Centered" mean the same, referring to being in the middle or focus; the difference is regional spelling: "Centred" is British English, "Centered" is American English.
Key Differences
"Centred" and "Centered" both describe something positioned at the middle or being the focus of attention. The primary distinction lies in their usage in different English dialects. "Centred" is the preferred spelling in British English, whereas "Centered" is used in American English. This difference is a classic example of the variations in spelling between these two English dialects.
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Nov 29, 2023
When considering the etymology, both "Centred" and "Centered" derive from the Latin word 'centrum,' meaning a central point. The spelling variation does not affect their meaning or usage in sentences. "Centred" in British English and "Centered" in American English both serve the same grammatical function in a sentence, typically as an adjective or a past participle.
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Nov 29, 2023
In typography and design, both "Centred" and "Centered" refer to alignment where text or images are evenly distributed on both sides of a central line. While British designers may use "centred," their American counterparts will use "centered." This distinction, however, is solely in spelling and not in application or concept.
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Nov 29, 2023
In psychological or spiritual discussions, "Centred" and "Centered" are used to describe a state of balance or calmness. Whether one uses "centred" in a British context or "centered" in an American context, the connotation remains the same, implying a sense of stability or focus within oneself.
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Nov 29, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Centred and Centered Definitions
Centred
Emotionally balanced and calm.
She felt centred after the meditation session.
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Nov 29, 2023
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Centered
Having a central theme or focus.
The novel is centered around a historical event.
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Centered
Mentally focused and composed.
He remained centered despite the chaos.
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Nov 29, 2023
Centered
Revolving around a particular subject.
The debate is centered on healthcare reform.
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Nov 29, 2023
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Centred
Focused or concentrated on a specific point.
The discussion was centred around environmental issues.
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Centered
Equally balanced on either side.
The logo was perfectly centered on the banner.
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Nov 29, 2023
Centred
Having a specific point as the main interest.
The story is centred on a young detective.
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Nov 29, 2023
Centered
Having a specified center. Often used in combination
A soft-centered candy.
A yellow-centered daisy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Centered
Self-confident, stable, and well-balanced
"He's a centered guy. He's always seemed to know what he wanted, and gone after it in a concrete way" (Vanity Fair).
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "Centred" be used in American English?
It can be used but "Centered" is the standard spelling in American English.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Do "Centred" and "Centered" have the same pronunciation?
Yes, both words are pronounced identically.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Are "Centred" and "Centered" interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable in meaning but vary by regional English dialects.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Is "Centered" acceptable in British English?
It's understood but "Centred" is the preferred British spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Do "Centred" and "Centered" have the same etymology?
Yes, both originate from the Latin word 'centrum.'
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
What part of speech are "Centred" and "Centered"?
They are typically used as adjectives or past participles.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
In typography, do "Centred" and "Centered" mean the same?
Yes, both refer to text or images aligned in the center.
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Nov 29, 2023
How do "Centred" and "Centered" function in a sentence?
They function as modifiers to describe the position or focus of a subject.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can "Centred" and "Centered" imply emotional stability?
Yes, they can describe a state of mental or emotional balance.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is one spelling more modern than the other?
No, both spellings have been used historically in their respective regions.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can "Centred" and "Centered" be used in technical contexts?
Yes, in contexts like design, alignment, or geometry.
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Nov 29, 2023
Are there any synonyms for "Centred" and "Centered"?
Yes, words like balanced, focused, or aligned are synonyms.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can "Centred" and "Centered" be verbs?
They can be past participles of the verb 'to centre/to center.'
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Nov 29, 2023
Is the difference between "Centred" and "Centered" significant in daily use?
The difference is minor and mainly pertains to regional spelling preferences.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can "Centred" and "Centered" be used in spiritual contexts?
Yes, to describe a state of inner balance or focus.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Can "Centred" and "Centered" be used in mathematics?
Yes, in geometric contexts to describe a central position.
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Nov 29, 2023
Do "Centred" and "Centered" appear in English learning materials?
Yes, often in materials specific to British or American English.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is the spelling difference regional or stylistic?
It's primarily a regional difference between American and British English.
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Nov 29, 2023
Are there any contexts where one spelling is preferred over the other?
Yes, in regional literature and formal writing corresponding to the dialect.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Are "Centred" and "Centered" used in other languages?
They may appear in English phrases within other languages.
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Nov 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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