Circular Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'circular'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'circular' comes from the Latin word 'circulāris', which means 'of or pertaining to a circle'. The concept of circles has been fundamental in geometry and mathematics for centuries, leading to the adoption of 'circular' to describe anything round or cyclical.


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.