single-centered
|sin-gle-cent-ered|
🇺🇸
/ˌsɪŋɡəlˈsɛntərd/
🇬🇧
/ˌsɪŋɡ(ə)lˈsɛn.təd/
having one center / focused on one point
Etymology
'single-centered' originates from modern English, formed by combining the adjective 'single' (meaning 'one') and the participial/adjectival form 'centered' (meaning 'having a center').
'single' comes ultimately from Latin 'singulus' ('one, single') via Old French (e.g. singl/sengle) into Middle English 'single'; 'centered' is formed from 'center' (from Latin 'centrum', via Old French 'centre' into Middle English 'centre') plus the adjectival/participial suffix '-ed'. These elements were combined in modern English to create the compound adjective 'single-centered'.
Initially the components referred to a literal single point or origin ('one' + 'center'); over time the compound has been used both literally (one geometric or organizational center) and figuratively (focused/concentrated on one person or topic).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having a single center or point; organized or arranged around one central point (often used in geometry, design, or urban studies).
The town's layout is single-centered, with all roads leading to the main square.
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Adjective 2
focused on or oriented toward a single person, topic, or concern; concentrated rather than spread out.
Her research is deliberately single-centered, concentrating on one case study in depth.
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Last updated: 2025/09/10 21:25