centrists
|cen-trist|
/ˈsɛntrɪst/
(centrist)
moderate
Etymology
'centrist' originates from English, specifically formed from the word 'centre' with the suffix '-ist', where 'centre' ultimately comes from Latin 'centrum' and Greek 'kentron' meaning 'sharp point' or 'center'.
'centrist' developed by adding the agent/affiliation suffix '-ist' to the noun 'centre' (from Middle English 'centre', Old French 'centre', Latin 'centrum', Greek 'kentron'), yielding the modern English adjective/noun 'centrist' to denote someone of the center politically.
Initially related to the idea of the 'center' (a middle point), the term evolved to mean specifically a political middle position and, by extension, a person who holds moderate political views.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who holds moderate political views or supports policies that are between the political left and right; a political moderate.
Centrists often seek compromise between left- and right-wing parties.
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Noun 2
people collectively who occupy the political center or who prefer pragmatic, non-extreme policies.
Centrists in parliament can be decisive in closely contested votes.
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Adjective 1
relating to or favoring moderate political views or policies that avoid extremes.
Centrists often support centrist policies that balance market and social concerns.
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Last updated: 2026/01/10 07:23