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Glite Dictionary
monocentrism

monocentrism

9.9
A system that has one main center
  • noun
  • /ˌmɒnəˈsɛntrɪzəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : monocentrismo
  • Many urban theorists have debated the shift from monocentrism to polycentrism in modern cities.

Examples

  • The concept of monocentrism is often applied to civilizations with a single dominant capital.

  • The monocentrism of the empire was evident in its centralized administration and control.

  • Biological systems sometimes display monocentrism in the organization of their functions.

  • The concept of monocentrism is often debated in geography.

  • Many cultures exhibit monocentrism in their social structures.

  • Many urban planners are moving away from monocentrism to encourage more balanced city development.

  • In discussions of economic growth, monocentrism is often criticized for neglecting regional diversity.

Synonyms

centrality
vsmonocentrism
5 6.4

Being in the middle or most important part of something

focuses on arrangement around one central point rather than mere importance
centricity
vsmonocentrism
1 7.6

A focus on one main person, thing, or idea

is about organizing things around a single central point
centeredness
vsmonocentrism
  • US
5.5

The position of something in the middle of a space or design

means arranging things around one central point rather than mere placement

Antonyms

polycentrism
  • Specialized
8.2

A system where power comes from several different centers

How Centralized

monocentrism
  • Specialized
9.9
polycentrism
  • Specialized
8.2

Surface Forms

monocentrism singular
monocentrisms plural

Morphology

monocentrism = monocentric (transparent) = mono + centr + ism

The noun is a standard abstract formation from 'monocentric' with '-ism', preserving the meaning of having a single center.

Etymology

The word monocentrism comes from the prefix mono-, as in monopoly, meaning 'one', and center meaning 'middle'. So, monocentrism describes a system or city organised around a single central point, which is why it means having one centre.