middle - centre

◊ 'middle'

The middle of a two-dimensional shape or area is the part that is furthest from its sides, edges, or boundaries.

In the middle of the lawn was a great cedar tree.

Foster was standing in the middle of the room.

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◊ 'centre'

Centre is used in a similar way, but it usually refers to a more precise point or position. For example, in mathematics you talk about the centre of a circle, not the `middle'.

...the centre of the cyclone.

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◊ 'center'

In American English, this word is spelled center.

At the center of the monument was a photograph.

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◊ other meanings of 'middle'

The middle of a road or river is the part that is furthest from its sides or banks.

...white lines painted along the middle of the highway.

We managed to pull on to a sandbank in the middle of the river.

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You do not talk about the `centre' of a road or river.

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The middle of an event or period of time is a period which is halfway between its beginning and its end.

We landed at Canton in the middle of a torrential storm.

...the middle of December.

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You do not talk about the `centre' of an event or period of time.

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