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Circular: meaning, definitions and examples

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circular

 

[ˈsɜːrkjələr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

geometry

Shaped like or in the form of a circle; round.

Synonyms

circular-shaped, ring-shaped, round.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
circular

Appropriate when describing something that is round and continuous without breaks, often used in a general sense.

  • The table had a circular design
  • The children sat in a circular formation
round

Commonly used for describing anything that is generally spherical or circular in shape, often casually or simply.

  • The ball was round
  • He loves round mirrors for his house
circular-shaped

Best used when emphasizing the shape of an object, especially when that shape is clearly round and the primary focus.

  • The logo was circular-shaped to represent unity
  • She wore a circular-shaped pendant
ring-shaped

Ideal when referring to something that is round but with a hollow center, similar to a ring.

  • The island was ring-shaped with a lagoon in the middle
  • The donut was perfectly ring-shaped

Examples of usage

  • The table had a circular top.
  • The circular window let in plenty of light.
Context #2 | Adjective

communication

Involving a number of people or things that repeatedly interact with each other.

Synonyms

cyclic, recursive, repetitive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
circular

Used to describe an object or path that is shaped like a circle or a situation that has no clear end, often leading back to the starting point.

  • The circular table was perfect for the dining room.
  • Their argument was circular, and they didn't come to any new conclusions.
cyclic

Often used in scientific or mathematical contexts to describe something that happens in intervals or repeats in a cycle.

  • Plant growth patterns are cyclic, following the seasons.
  • The economic data shows a cyclic trend over several years.
repetitive

Used to describe something that is boring or tedious because it repeats the same action or pattern over and over.

  • The job was so repetitive that it became monotonous.
  • Her speech was repetitive, and people lost interest quickly.
recursive

Typically used in computer science and mathematics to describe a process that repeats in a self-referential way, often referring back to itself.

  • A recursive function calls itself to create a loop.
  • Solving the puzzle required a recursive approach.

Examples of usage

  • The circular email was sent to all employees.
  • The circular discussion lasted for hours.
Context #3 | Noun

publication

A printed advertisement, letter, or notice that is distributed to a large number of people.

Synonyms

brochure, leaflet, pamphlet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
circular

A circular is often used in the context of internal communication within an organization or in a business. It typically refers to an official notice or memo circulated among employees or stakeholders. It may also be used in marketing for a repetitive pattern of messages.

  • The manager sent out a circular to inform everyone about the meeting.
  • The company issued a circular emphasizing the new safety protocols.
leaflet

A leaflet is a single-sheet or folded piece of paper that provides information or advertising in a concise manner. It is commonly used for quick distribution to a large audience, such as in public places.

  • We distributed leaflets about the upcoming concert in the park.
  • The political candidate handed out leaflets to explain his policies.
pamphlet

A pamphlet is a small booklet with a few pages, often used to share information on specific topics or issues, including educational content, religious tracts, or political messages. It can sometimes carry a connotation of informal or advocacy content.

  • The clinic provided a pamphlet on how to prevent seasonal flu.
  • She wrote a pamphlet to raise awareness about environmental conservation.
brochure

A brochure is a small book or magazine containing pictures and information about a product or service. It is usually used in marketing and advertising to give detailed information and attract potential customers.

  • The travel agency handed me a brochure about their holiday packages.
  • You can find all the details about our new product line in this brochure.

Examples of usage

  • She received a circular in the mail about the upcoming sale.
  • The company sent out a circular to announce the new policy.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'circularis', which means 'having the form of a circle'.
  • It is related to the Latin word 'circus', meaning 'circle' or 'ring', which is also the root for things like 'circus' and 'circuit'.
  • In ancient cultures, circles were often associated with ideas of eternity because they have no beginning or end.

Science

  • In geometry, circles are defined by the distance from a center point that remains constant, forming a perfect round shape.
  • Circular motion refers to an object traveling along a circular path, which is essential in understanding gravity and orbits.
  • Many natural phenomena, such as whirlpools and hurricanes, exhibit circular patterns that are vital for their movement and structure.

Art and Culture

  • Circles are common symbols in art, often representing unity and harmony, as seen in mandalas and circular motifs.
  • The famous symbol for peace is a circle with a vertical line and two downward branching lines, representing non-aggression and togetherness.
  • The circular format is frequently used in music, where compositions like round songs repeat in a circular form, creating a harmonious cycle.

Mathematics

  • The circumference of a circle is the distance around it, calculated using the formula 2πr, where r is the radius.
  • Calculating the area of a circle involves the formula πr², illustrating the relationship between a circle's radius and its size.
  • Pi (π), a mathematical constant, is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, appearing in various mathematical equations.

Psychology

  • In psychology, circular thinking refers to a way of reasoning that leads back to the starting point, which can impede problem-solving.
  • Many mindfulness practices involve circular breathing techniques, promoting relaxation and stress relief through rhythmic breathing patterns.
  • Circular narratives in storytelling loop back to earlier themes, enhancing connections and understanding within the plot.

Translations

Translations of the word "circular" in other languages:

🇵🇹 circular

🇮🇳 वृत्ताकार

🇩🇪 rund

🇮🇩 bulat

🇺🇦 круглий

🇵🇱 okrągły

🇯🇵 円形の

🇫🇷 circulaire

🇪🇸 circular

🇹🇷 daire

🇰🇷 원형의

🇸🇦 دائري

🇨🇿 kruhový

🇸🇰 kruhový

🇨🇳 圆形的

🇸🇮 krožen

🇮🇸 hringlaga

🇰🇿 дөңгелек

🇬🇪 წრიული

🇦🇿 dairəvi

🇲🇽 circular

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,218, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.