noun

heliocentrism

hee-lee-oh-SEN-triz-uhm

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Heliocentrism (noun) means the model of the universe in which the Sun sits at the centre. Example: “Heliocentrism replaced the older belief that the Earth sat at the centre of everything.”

noun

The model of the universe in which the Sun sits at the centre.

"Heliocentrism replaced the older belief that the Earth sat at the centre of everything."

"The textbook explained heliocentrism before moving on to modern astronomy."

"Heliocentrism is now taken for granted, but it was once a controversial idea."

informal Informally, the fact that the Earth orbits the Sun.

"He mentioned heliocentrism when explaining why we have seasons."

"Kids learn about heliocentrism early in school science lessons."

How to use heliocentrism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHeliocentrism is the sun-centred picture of the universe.

When to use it

It is mainly used in astronomy and history of science rather than casual speech.

Memory tip

The stress falls on the syllable sen, so say hee-lee-oh-SEN-triz-uhm rather than stressing the start.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

geocentrism

Common pairings

theory of heliocentrism heliocentrism versus geocentrism model of heliocentrism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “heliocentrism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ replaced the older belief that the Earth sat at the centre of everything.

Etymology

Heliocentrism is a shortened form of heliocentricism, itself built from heliocentric plus the suffix -ism. The root ultimately goes back to the Ancient Greek words for sun and centre, joined together to describe a sun-centred view of the universe.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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heliocentricity

Antonyms

geocentrism

Rhymes for heliocentrism

centrism ethnocentrism

See all rhymes for heliocentrism →

Frequently asked questions

What does heliocentrism mean?

Heliocentrism is the idea that the Sun, rather than the Earth, lies at the centre of the universe or solar system.

What is the opposite of heliocentrism?

The opposite is geocentrism, the older view that placed the Earth at the centre.

Is heliocentrism the same as saying the Earth orbits the Sun?

In everyday use, yes, people often use heliocentrism loosely to mean that the Earth goes round the Sun.

What is the meaning of heliocentrism?

"heliocentrism" (noun) means the model of the universe in which the Sun sits at the centre.