Spanish Conversation · Level 191
15 words
Spanish word
centrar
Pronunciation
IPA/θenˈtɾaɾ/
Meaning
- verbfocus
Example
Tenemos que centrar la discusión en los problemas reales.
We have to focus the discussion on the real problems.
More examples
Debemos centrar la atención en las soluciones prácticas.
We must focus attention on practical solutions.
Core concept
A bullseye target with several arrows hitting the center.
Common phrases
centrar la atención en
focus attention on
centrar la discusión en
focus the discussion on
centrar los esfuerzos en
focus efforts on
Similar words
concentrar: Energy or attention is pooled together intensely at a single focal point.
enfocar: A discussion or visual frame is oriented toward a specific object or angle.
centrarse: Individual attention and actions concentrate on a chosen point or task.
priorizar: Tasks or issues are ordered by importance so top priorities are addressed.
Definition in Spanish
Dirigir la atención, la acción o la discusión hacia un punto o asunto concreto, o situar algo en posición central, literal o figurada.
Word origin
The verb derives from Spanish centro (Latin centrum from Greek kentron) plus the verbal suffix -ar and originally means to direct something toward the center.
Usage tips
- Centrar commonly appears as centrar X en Y to direct attention or a discussion toward Y and contrasts with concentrar, which usually means to gather or amass rather than to steer focus.
Other meanings
- concentrateverb
- centerverb
Related words
- centradofocusedadjective
- centralizarcentralizeverb
- centralizacióncentralizationnoun