centrist
UK: ˈsɛntrɪst | US: ˈsɛntrɪst
n. a person who holds moderate political views, avoiding extremes
adj. relating to or characteristic of political centrism
The word "centrist" combines the Latin-derived root "centr-" (from "centrum," meaning "center") with the suffix "-ist," which denotes a person who adheres to a particular ideology or practice. The term emerged in the 19th century to describe individuals or policies that occupy the middle ground in political spectrums, balancing between left-wing and right-wing extremes. The logic reflects the spatial metaphor of political alignment, where "center" symbolizes moderation.
The candidate appealed to centrist voters by advocating for pragmatic reforms.
Centrist policies often focus on compromise and incremental change.
Critics argue that centrists lack strong ideological convictions.
The party shifted toward a more centrist position to attract broader support.
As a centrist, she rejected both radical socialism and unfettered capitalism.