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Definition central in British English

central adjective

adjective
/ˈsentrəl/

▪ argument, aspect, debate, feature, idea, importance, issue, role, theme

1

the central part of a place is the area in the middle of it

Example

They live in central London.

Example

some regions of central and eastern Asia

Synonyms and related words
1.1

a central place is in the middle of something

Example

The hotel's rooms are built around a central courtyard.

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1.2

used for saying that something is in the middle of an area, so it is very convenient for using shops, theatres etc

Example

My flat is very central.

Example

All hotels have been specially selected for their central location.

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2

a central idea, aspect, system etc is one of the main ones that is used or needed

Example

He played a central role in the development of US economic policy.

Example

Political life has changed since broadcasting became a central feature of our lives.

Example

Her work remains central to an understanding of this period of history.

Example

issues that are central in the lives of women prisoners

Example

Listening skills are of central importance to a child's development.

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2.1

something that is central is extremely important, and often causes something else to happen or develop

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3

central control comes from one main organization that usually tells a lot of smaller organizations what they should do

Example

The system is subject to massive and increasing central control.

Synonyms and related words
3.1

a central organization is a main organization that controls a lot of smaller ones

Example

the Communist Party's central committee

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3.2

used in the names of organizations

Synonyms and related words
Definition central in British English