eco-centric
|e-co-cen-tric|
🇺🇸
/ˌiːkoʊˈsɛntrɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌiːkəʊˈsɛntrɪk/
centered on the environment
Etymology
'eco-' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'oikos', where 'oikos' meant 'house' or 'environment', and '-centric' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'kentron', where 'kentron' meant 'center'.
'eco-centric' is a modern English compound formed in the 20th century from the combining form 'eco-' (from Greek 'oikos') and the adjective-forming element '-centric' (from Greek 'kentron' via Latin and French), with the unhyphenated form 'ecocentric' also in use.
Initially formed to mean 'centered on the household or environment', it evolved to mean specifically 'centered on ecological systems or the environment' and is now used in ecological and ethical contexts to contrast with 'anthropocentric'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
placing ecological systems and the environment at the center of concern or value; prioritizing ecosystems over human-centered interests.
Her eco-centric approach informed the city's new conservation policies.
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Adjective 2
reflecting or derived from the ethical view that ecosystems have intrinsic value independent of human use.
The committee adopted an eco-centric ethic, arguing that species conservation matters regardless of human benefit.
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Last updated: 2026/01/16 08:04