Meaning & use
geocentric
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivenot comparabletechnical
Based on the idea that the Earth is the center of the universe or of a system.
Grammar: Used mainly before a noun, as in 'a geocentric model'; it is not usually used after 'very' or in comparisons.
Patterns
- geocentric model
- geocentric view
- geocentric theory
For centuries, astronomers accepted a geocentric model in which the Sun and planets moved around the Earth.
The geocentric view was eventually replaced by the heliocentric model.
In a geocentric system, the Earth does not move.
Common combinations
- geocentric model
- Ptolemy's geocentric model placed the Earth at the center of the universe.
- geocentric theory
- The geocentric theory was widely believed in ancient times.
- geocentric view
- His geocentric view of the cosmos was typical of his era.
- geocentric system
- In a geocentric system, the planets orbit the Earth.
Synonyms and how they differ
- Earth-centered
- A plain English equivalent; it is less technical and can be used in general writing.
Opposites
Word family
- geocentrism noun
- The belief or theory that the Earth is the center of the universe.
Commonly confused: geocentric or heliocentric?
geocentric vs heliocentric
Heliocentric means 'based on the Sun as the center', the opposite of geocentric.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'geocentric' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Geocentric means Earth-centered, so the Earth is at the center. Option 1 describes a heliocentric model, option 3 is false because we now use the heliocentric model, and option 4 is wrong because Copernicus argued for heliocentrism.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “geocentric”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.