centerpiece
/ˈsen.tə.piːs/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The most important or eye-catching part of a display, meal, event, or design. It sits in the middle and draws attention.
- The cake was the centerpiece of the party table.
- The new sculpture is the room's centerpiece.
- Flowers made a lovely centerpiece for dinner.
Adinary Nuance
A centerpiece is the main thing people notice, often because of its position and look. It is more visual and concrete than focus, which can mean attention or interest. It is also less general than highlight, which may be the best part of an event or experience, not a physical object. Use centerpiece when the main item is literally or visually central.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- vật trung tâm
- Spanish
- pieza central
- Chinese
- 中心摆设
- Japanese
- 中心飾り
- Korean
- 중심 장식
Etymology
Centerpiece is an English compound word from center and piece. It has been used since the 19th century for the main item in the middle of something.
Common phrases
table centerpiecethe centerpiece offloral centerpiececenterpiece display
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is centerpiece a physical object or an idea?
- It is usually a physical object, like a decoration or main item. It can also describe the main part of a design or event.
- What is the difference between centerpiece and highlight?
- A centerpiece is usually something central and visible. A highlight is the most important or enjoyable part.
- Can I use centerpiece in formal writing?
- Yes. It works well in academic, business, and descriptive writing.