central
UK: ˈsɛntrəl | US: ˈsɛntrəl
adj. 1. Relating to the center; situated at or near the center.
adj. 2. Most important; principal or essential.
adj. 3. (of a vowel) Articulated in the middle of the mouth.
central = centr<center> + al<adjective suffix>
- centr: From Latin centrum (center), derived from Greek kéntron (sharp point, stationary point of a compass).
- al: A suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -alis, indicating relation or pertaining to.
Etymology Origin:
The word central traces back to the Latin centrum, which originally referred to the fixed point of a compass or the core of a circle. Over time, centrum evolved to denote the middle point of anything, and the suffix -alis was added to form centralis in Late Latin, meaning "pertaining to the center." This logical progression—from a geometric focal point to a broader concept of importance—reflects how spatial metaphors often shape abstract meanings.
The hotel is in a central location, close to all major attractions.
The central idea of the essay is the importance of empathy.
The city’s central station connects all subway lines.
She played a central role in the project’s success.
The vowel sound in "bird" is a central vowel.