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Circularity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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circularity

[หŒsษœหrkjษ™หˆlรฆrษ™ti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

The quality of being round or shaped like a circle; the condition of being circular.

Synonyms

circular shape, roundness, sphericity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
circularity

Used to describe a quality or condition of being circular, often in abstract or theoretical discussions.

  • The circularity of their argument made it hard to follow.
  • Philosophers often discuss the circularity in reasoning.
roundness

Used to describe the general appearance or characteristic of being round, often in a more physical or tangible context.

  • The roundness of the fruit made it look very appealing.
  • She admired the roundness of the pearls.
sphericity

Used to describe the quality or state of being spherical, often in scientific, technical, or mathematical contexts.

  • The scientist measured the sphericity of the particle.
  • Sphericity is an important factor in the design of ball bearings.
circular shape

Refers to the physical appearance of an object that is round, used in more concrete or straightforward descriptions.

  • The circular shape of the clock fits perfectly on the wall.
  • We need a circular shape for the base of the lamp.

Examples of usage

  • The circularity of the table made it difficult to fit in the corner of the room.
  • The circularity of the argument led to a never-ending debate.
Context #2 | Noun

logic

A situation in which something is defined or determined by another thing in a way that forms a closed loop.

Synonyms

circular reasoning, vicious circle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
circularity

This is a duplicate of the first 'circularity' entry. Refer to the first definition.

  • Repeated as seen: The circularity of the argument made it difficult to understand its point.
  • Repeated as seen: Recycling is an important part of promoting circularity in our economy.
circular reasoning

Circular reasoning refers to a logical fallacy where the conclusion of an argument is assumed in the premises. This is often criticized as it does not provide any actual evidence or new information.

  • His claim that the product is the best because it is made by the best company is an example of circular reasoning.
  • She realized that her argument was just circular reasoning and didn't actually prove anything.
vicious circle

A vicious circle is used to describe a negative feedback loop where a situation keeps getting worse due to a series of interconnected problems. The term often implies a sense of entrapment or inevitability in a problem.

  • Poverty can create a vicious circle where lack of education leads to poor job prospects, which in turn leads to continued poverty.
  • She fell into a vicious circle of stress and sleeplessness, each feeding into the other.

Examples of usage

  • The circularity of the reasoning made it impossible to reach a clear conclusion.
  • The circularity of the definition led to confusion among the students.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, circularity can describe life cycles that return to the beginning, such as in certain species of plants.
  • In mathematics, circularity relates to properties of circles, like circumference and area, showing how different parts relate to each other.
  • In physics, circularity is involved in rotational motion, impacting how objects move in circles, including planets and satellites.

Sustainability

  • Circularity is a key principle in sustainability, promoting systems where resources are reused and waste is minimized.
  • Circular economies focus on reducing waste by keeping materials in use longer, creating less landfill and decreasing pollution.
  • Designing products for circularity means making them easy to repair, recycle, or repurpose instead of discarding them.

Literature

  • Many stories use circular plot structures, where the end echoes the beginning, enhancing themes of fate or destiny.
  • Circularity in narratives can create a sense of completeness, making readers feel satisfied with the resolution.
  • Poetry often employs circular imagery to convey ongoing themes of life, love, and time.

Art

  • In visual art, circularity can represent harmony, unity, and the cycle of life.
  • Many cultures use circular designsโ€”think of mandalasโ€”that symbolize wholeness and connection to the universe.
  • Artists often explore circular forms in sculptures, using them to create dynamic movement or a sense of balance.

Origin of 'circularity'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in the Latin 'circularis', which means 'of a circle'.
  • It came into use in English in the late 14th century, originally describing physical shape before expanding to abstract concepts.
  • In geometry, circularity can describe not just circles, but any round shape, including spheres.

The word 'circularity' comes from the Latin word 'circulus' meaning 'circle'. It has been used in various fields such as mathematics, logic, and philosophy to describe the concept of being round or shaped like a circle, as well as the idea of a closed loop in reasoning or definition.

See also: circlets, encircle, encircling.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,537, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.