to center on
47
3.2
- phrasal verb
- /ˈsɛntər ɑn/
- US
:
centrarse en
- The documentary centers on the environmental impacts of climate change.
- debate centers on
- discussion centers on
- a question centers on
So, and, and it centers on issues of identity.
- So, and, and it centers on issues of identity.
- And the way that Dick structures the book, it's always centered on a particular character.
- It's the two sides of the the it's again centered on a social construct.
- You, you center it on one person in a way, that's John Wilkes Booth and Lincoln.
- Their insights will be key to a bright future for AI, one that centers on human needs, human interests and human values.
- And it actually doesn't center so much on the son.
- So moving through the anxiety, OK, so you have some anxiety, but we're going to re center on this fact that there's nothing you can do about it.
Examples
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And the way that Dick structures the book, it's always centered on a particular character.
-
In recent years, interesting debates have centered on the relationship of the state to modern capitalism.
Academic text (1990) -
So, and, and it centers on issues of identity.
-
And it centers, as I say, on images of drowning.
-
Alright, so basically it's this modern day morality play centered on time travel.
-
Note that these questions are centered on the students' backgrounds, knowledge, experiences, and skills.
Academic text (2013) -
Their insights will be key to a bright future for AI, one that centers on human needs, human interests and human values.
-
For example, Misty's concept of caring was centered on teaching rather than building personal relationships.
Academic text (2008) -
Subsequent themes have centered on diversity issues and courage and unity in a time of war.
Academic text (2013) -
Legislation and policies surrounding academic performance and school accountabilities center on student test scores and achievements.
Academic text (2013)
Synonyms
∞
2.0
Give most attention and effort to one person or task
279
3.1
Give your full attention to one activity or subject
210
2.8
To focus most attention on one thing
84
3.5
Be the main focus of attention, like a person or topic
To be mainly about one person, topic, or thing
How Focused
46
7.0
44
4.2
279
3.1
- US
47
3.2
∞
2.0
87
3.4
818
2.4
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'to have something as the main subject or focus' is directly derivable from combining the verb 'center' (to concentrate attention) with the preposition 'on' (indicating target or focus). This verb + preposition composition is a standard, cross-linguistically common pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Center on makes you think of a bright stage light shining on one person. The word center is the middle and on shows where the light falls, so the phrase means 'to be about' or 'to focus on'.