Allocentric – Definition & Meaning

Allocentric is a term that is used to describe a person’s perspective or way of thinking. It is a word that is often used in psychology and anthropology to describe individuals who are focused on the world around them rather than themselves. In this article, we will explore the meaning of allocentric, its origin, and its associations.

Definitions

Allocentric is defined as being focused on the external environment rather than oneself. It is the opposite of egocentric, which is focused on oneself. Allocentric individuals tend to give more importance to their surroundings and the people in it rather than their own needs and desires.

Origin

The word allocentric comes from the Latin word “allos,” which means “other,” and “centric,” which means “center.” The term was first used in psychology in the 1960s to describe individuals who had a different way of thinking than egocentric individuals.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, allocentric means “having a viewpoint or perspective centered on external objects or events rather than on the self.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “relating to or denoting a perspective that is centered on objects or events in the external world, rather than on the individual perceiving them.”

Associations

Allocentric individuals tend to be more empathetic and considerate of others. They are often more focused on the needs of the group rather than their own needs. Allocentric thinking is also associated with collectivist cultures, where the group is considered more important than the individual.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of allocentric include outward-looking, other-focused, and object-oriented.

Antonyms

The antonyms of allocentric are egocentric, self-centered, and self-absorbed.

The same root words

The same root words as allocentric include centric, which means “centered,” and ego, which means “self.”

Example Sentences

1. The allocentric approach to problem-solving involves considering the needs of the group rather than just one individual.
2. She had an allocentric perspective on life and was always thinking about how she could help others.
3. The allocentric thinking of the collectivist culture was in contrast to the individualistic culture of the West.
4. His egocentric personality made it difficult for him to see things from an allocentric perspective.
5. The allocentric viewpoint of the artist was evident in his paintings, which focused on the beauty of the natural world.