Centering vs. Centring — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 7, 2024
"Centering" is the American English spelling for the process of placing or fixing in the center, while "centring" is the British English variant of the same term.
Difference Between Centering and Centring
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Centering" refers to the act of positioning something in the center or focusing attention on a central point. It's widely used in American English contexts, from construction to meditation, to describe the act of aligning or emphasizing centrality. On the other hand, "centring," following British English conventions, carries the same meanings and applications but differs in spelling as per the linguistic preferences in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth nations.
In construction, "centering" in American English describes the temporary framework used to support arches or domes during building. Meanwhile, "centring" in British English refers to the same construction technique, underscoring the geographical variance in terminology for the same engineering practices.
In the context of wellness and personal development, both "centering" and "centring" describe the practice of calming one's mind and focusing inward. The difference in spelling does not affect the concept's application or understanding in mindfulness practices across English-speaking countries.
While "centering" might also relate to making something the central aspect of discussion or activity in American contexts, "centring" serves the same purpose in British English. This illustrates how regional spelling differences can exist without altering the term's fundamental meaning or usage.
Despite these spelling variations, the essence and applications of "centering/centring" remain consistent across English-speaking regions, highlighting the flexibility and diversity within the English language while maintaining clarity in communication.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
"Centering"
"Centring"
Usage
Used in American English contexts.
Used in British, Canadian, Australian, and other Commonwealth English contexts.
Meaning
The act of placing or fixing in the center.
The act of placing or fixing in the center.
Examples in Context
In construction, the temporary support for arches. In wellness, focusing one’s mind.
In construction, the temporary support for arches. In wellness, focusing one’s mind.
Linguistic Preference
Preferred in American English.
Preferred in British and other forms of English outside the US.
Compare with Definitions
Centering
Focusing Attention.
The meeting was about centering the discussion on upcoming projects.
Centring
Construction Term.
Proper centring was crucial for the dome's construction to proceed safely.
Centering
Wellness Practice.
Morning meditation involves centering oneself before starting the day.
Centring
Centralizing a Concept.
The strategy involves centring innovation in the company's growth plans.
Centering
Centralizing a Concept.
The new policy aims at centering student wellbeing in the curriculum.
Centring
Wellness Practice.
Yoga classes often begin with exercises for centring and grounding.
Centering
Construction Term.
Centering the framework ensured the stability of the arch during construction.
Centring
Act of Aligning.
Centring the table in the dining room improved the overall symmetry of the space.
Centering
Act of Aligning.
The architect focused on centering the sculpture in the lobby for visual balance.
Centring
Focusing Attention.
The conference focused on centring the conversation around climate change solutions.
Centering
A temporary, usually wooden framework on which an arch, vault, or dome is supported during construction.
Centring
Centring, centre, centering, or center is a type of formwork: the temporary structure upon which the stones of an arch or vault are laid during construction. Until the keystone is inserted an arch has no strength and needs the centring to keep the voussoirs in their correct relative positions.
Centering
Present participle of center
Centring
Present participle of centre
Centering
(countable) A type of formwork which serves as a temporary structure during the construction of arches and bridges.
Centring
See Centring.
Centering
The process of moving something to a centre, normally before some other process.
Centering
The concentration of attention or energy on something;
The focus of activity shifted to molecular biology
He had no direction in his life
Centering
(American football) putting the ball in play by passing it (between the legs) to a back;
The quarterback fumbled the snap
Common Curiosities
Why are there two spellings for "centering/centring"?
The variations exist due to differences between American and British English spelling conventions.
Is there a difference in meaning between "centering" and "centring"?
No, the difference is purely in spelling; the terms have the same meanings and applications.
How does "centering/centring" apply in construction?
In construction, it refers to the temporary framework supporting structures like arches or domes.
Can "centering" and "centring" be used interchangeably?
While interchangeable in meaning, the choice of spelling often depends on the regional linguistic preference.
What does "centering/centring" signify in wellness?
It denotes practices aimed at calming the mind, focusing inward, or achieving emotional balance.
In which English-speaking countries is "centring" the preferred spelling?
"Centring" is preferred in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other nations using British English norms.
Are there any exceptions to the use of "centering/centring"?
Usage can vary in specialized contexts or among individuals, but these are the general norms.
How can one remember the difference between "centering" and "centring"?
Remembering that "centering" is American and "centring" is British may help, akin to "color" vs. "colour."
Does the spelling difference affect comprehension?
No, the context typically makes the meaning clear, regardless of the spelling variation.
Are there guidelines on when to use "centering" vs. "centring"?
Usage generally aligns with regional English variations: "centering" in American English and "centring" in British English and its variants.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
