"Centre" is the British English spelling; "center" is the American English spelling. Therefore, "centre" is considered British.
Spelling Variations: Centre vs. Center
The terms "centre" and "center" are simply different spellings of the same word. The distinction lies in the dialect:
- Centre: Standard spelling in British English and Australian English.
- Center: Standard spelling in American English.
Examples:
- British English: The centre of town. A community centre.
- American English: The center of town. A community center.
Origin and Evolution
Both spellings originate from the Old French word "centre," which ultimately derives from the Latin word "centrum." The simplification of "-re" to "-er" in words like "center," "theater," and "fiber" became a characteristic feature of American English, largely due to Noah Webster's efforts to standardize American spelling in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
