French word

central

Pronunciation

IPA/sɑ̃tʁal/

Meaning

  • adjectivecentral

Example

Elle a une place centrale dans l'équipe.

She has a central position on the team.

Illustration for central (central)

More examples

Il joue un rôle central dans le projet.

He plays a central role in the project.

Core concept

A person, idea, or role positioned at the main point of a situation and carrying essential importance.

Common phrases

  • rôle central

    central role

  • place centrale

    central position

  • position centrale

    central position

Similar words

important: Having notable value or significance that merits attention.
principal: Primary in rank, role, or underlying reason.
essentiel: Required as an indispensable part of something.

Definition in French

Qui occupe une place principale ou essentielle dans une situation, une idée ou un groupe, sans se limiter au sens spatial.

Word origin

French central comes from Latin centralis, formed from centrum, meaning "centre," and later extends from a physical centre to an essential position.

Usage tips

  • Central agrees with the noun: central, centrale, centraux, or centrales; place centrale uses the feminine form.

Other meanings

  • mainadjective
  • importantadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • centralisercentralizeverb
  • centralisationcentralizationnoun
  • centralitécentralitynoun

Word lists with this word