nature-centeredness
|na-ture-cen-ter-ed-ness|
🇺🇸
/ˈneɪ.tʃɚˌsɛn.tɚd.nəs/
🇬🇧
/ˈneɪ.tʃəˌsɛn.trd.nəs/
focused on nature
Etymology
'nature-centeredness' originates from Modern English, specifically the compound of 'nature' and 'centeredness', where 'nature' ultimately comes from Latin 'natura' meaning 'birth, quality, course of things', 'centeredness' is formed from 'center' (from Greek 'kentron' via Latin/Old French) meaning 'point of focus' plus the Old English suffix '-ness' meaning 'state or quality'.
'nature' changed from Latin word 'natura' to Old French 'nature' and then to Middle English 'nature'; 'center' changed from Greek 'kentron' to Latin 'centrum' to Old French 'centre' and then to Middle English 'centre' (later 'center' in Modern English); the suffix '-ness' comes from Old English '-nes(s)' and has been used to form abstract nouns like 'centeredness'. These elements combined in Modern English to form the compound 'nature-centeredness'.
Initially, 'nature' referred to the inherent qualities or course of things and 'centeredness' denoted the state of being focused; over time the compound came to mean specifically 'the state or perspective of prioritizing or centering on nature' in ethical, design, or ecological contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality, state, or perspective of being centered on nature; prioritizing natural systems, values, or perspectives (an ecocentric viewpoint).
The community's planning emphasized nature-centeredness, preserving wetlands and native habitat over new development.
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Noun 2
a tendency or design principle in art, architecture, or therapy that places nature at the core of composition or practice.
The architect described the building's nature-centeredness as the reason for integrating living green walls and natural light.
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Last updated: 2025/10/10 18:07