decenter

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /dɪˈsɛntər/

KK: /dɪˈsɛntər/

verb

Definition

To move something away from a central point or focus, or to change the way something is organized or understood.

Example

The new policy aims to decenter decision-making from the top management to the employees.

Tense Forms

Past: decentered

Past Participle: decentered

Conversation

I think we need to decenter our approach to this project.

Yeah, focusing too much on one aspect can limit our creativity.

Exactly! If we decenter our thinking, we might come up with better ideas.

Totally! A fresh perspective could really change the outcome.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

displace

shift

divert

Antonyms

center

focus

concentrate

Root Explanation

Decenter is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "center" (from Latin "centrum", meaning the middle point). The word means to move away from the center or to remove from a central position.

Memory Tip

Think of moving something 'away' ('de-') from the 'middle' ('center') — that's why decenter means to shift away from the center.

Visually Confused Words

deadcenter

recenter

encenter

decanter

denter