adj
Common
centered
SEHN-tuhd
Centered (adj) means Positioned in the middle of something. Example: “Her name is centered at the top of the certificate.”
adj
1
Positioned in the middle of something.
"Her name is centered at the top of the certificate."
"The vase sat centered on the table between two candles."
"Make sure the logo is centered on the page."
2
Emotionally calm, balanced, and grounded.
"Years of yoga have left him feeling calm and centered."
"It's hard to stay centered when everything around you is chaotic."
"After meditating, she felt centered and ready for the meeting."
How to use centered
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPlaced in the middle, or (of a person) calm and mentally balanced.
UK vs US
UK spelling is "centred".
Common pairings
well-centered
feel centered
centered around
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more centered
- Superlative
- most centered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her name is _____ at the top of the certificate.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for centered
See all rhymes for centered →Frequently asked questions
What does “centered” mean?
The word “centered” means positioned in the middle of something. In plain terms, placed in the middle, or (of a person) calm and mentally balanced.
How do you pronounce “centered”?
“Centered” is pronounced SEHN-tuhd (/ˈsɛn.təɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “centered” in a sentence?
Here is “centered” used in a sentence: “Make sure the logo is centered on the page.”
What part of speech is “centered”?
“Centered” is an adjective.
Is “centered” a common word?
“Centered” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “centered” have?
“Centered” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: positioned in the middle of something.
Is it "centered on" or "centered around"?
Style guides prefer "centered on," because a center is a single point and cannot logically be "around" anything. "Centered around" is very common in speech and informal writing, but in careful or formal writing choose "centered on" or switch to "revolves around."
What is the difference between centered and centred?
They are the same word with different spellings: "centered" is standard in American English, while "centred" is standard in British English. The same split applies to the base word, center/centre.
What is the difference between centered and grounded?
Both describe emotional steadiness and are often used interchangeably in wellness contexts. "Centered" suggests inner calm and balance, as if your attention rests at a stable middle point, while "grounded" emphasizes being realistic, practical, and connected to everyday life.
Does centered mean the same as self-centered?
No — they are nearly opposites in tone. "Centered" is a compliment meaning calm, balanced, and emotionally stable, while "self-centered" is a criticism meaning selfish and preoccupied with yourself.
