Circularly: meaning, definitions and examples

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circularly

[ˈsəːkjʊlərli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a circular manner

In a manner that follows a circular path or direction. Moving in a loop or cycle.

Synonyms

cyclically, orbitally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
circularly	Describing anything moving or positioned in a perfect circle or taking a circular shape. The dancers moved circularly around the stage The stones were arranged circularly in the garden
cyclically	Used when referring to processes, events, or patterns that repeat in a cycle over time. Economic activities often occur cyclically The seasons change cyclically throughout the year
orbitally	Describing movement around a central point, often used in an astronomical context or in situations where one object moves around another in a stable path. The moon moves orbitally around the Earth Satellites are placed orbitally around the planet

Word

Description / Examples

circularly

Describing anything moving or positioned in a perfect circle or taking a circular shape.

The dancers moved circularly around the stage
The stones were arranged circularly in the garden

cyclically

Used when referring to processes, events, or patterns that repeat in a cycle over time.

Economic activities often occur cyclically
The seasons change cyclically throughout the year

orbitally

Describing movement around a central point, often used in an astronomical context or in situations where one object moves around another in a stable path.

The moon moves orbitally around the Earth
Satellites are placed orbitally around the planet

Examples of usage

He walked circularly around the fountain.
The planets revolve circularly around the sun.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a repetitive or recursive manner

In a manner that involves repetition or recursion. Repeating in a circular pattern.

Synonyms

recursively, repetitively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
circularly	Describes movement or a process that goes in a circle. Often used in mathematics or physical sciences. The planets move circularly around the sun The machine processes materials circularly
repetitively	Describes actions performed over and over again, often implying a sense of monotony or lack of variation. May have a negative connotation when used to describe tedious tasks. She tapped her foot repetitively during the meeting The assembly line worked repetitively to produce identical parts
recursively	Used in computer science or mathematics to describe a function or process that refers to itself in its definition. Often involves defining a problem in terms of a smaller instance of the same problem. The function calls itself recursively to compute the Fibonacci sequence He explained the concept of fractals recursively

Word

Description / Examples

circularly

Describes movement or a process that goes in a circle. Often used in mathematics or physical sciences.

The planets move circularly around the sun
The machine processes materials circularly

repetitively

Describes actions performed over and over again, often implying a sense of monotony or lack of variation. May have a negative connotation when used to describe tedious tasks.

She tapped her foot repetitively during the meeting
The assembly line worked repetitively to produce identical parts

recursively

Used in computer science or mathematics to describe a function or process that refers to itself in its definition. Often involves defining a problem in terms of a smaller instance of the same problem.

The function calls itself recursively to compute the Fibonacci sequence
He explained the concept of fractals recursively

Examples of usage

The algorithm works circularly to find the solution.
The debate went circularly without reaching a conclusion.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'circularly' comes from the Latin root 'circulus', meaning 'little circle'.
It first appeared in the English language in the late 15th century, reflecting how language evolves over time.
The suffix 'ly' indicates it is an adverb, describing how an action is done.

Mathematics

In geometry, circularly indicates movements that are part of circular shapes, integral in understanding circular functions like sine and cosine.
The concept of circular motion is fundamental in physics, explaining how planets orbit the sun in a circular path.
The term ties into the understanding of angles, where a full circle equals 360 degrees.

Art and Design

Circularly arranged designs, like mandalas, are often used in art to represent unity and wholeness.
Circular patterns are prevalent in architecture, evident in structures like domes and rotundas that create a sense of space.
Artists often utilize circular techniques in painting to create depth and movement, guiding the viewer's eye.

Psychology

The concept of thinking circularly can relate to holistic thinking, where one considers the whole picture rather than just parts.
In cognitive behavioral therapy, circular reasoning can be seen as a way people rationalize their thoughts and actions.
Cyclic behaviors, like habits, show how actions can become circular in nature, reinforcing patterns over time.

Pop Culture

In stories, circular plots often show characters returning to their starting point, symbolizing growth and change.
Popular songs sometimes use circular narratives, where lyrics repeat with variations, creating continuity.
Films with non-linear storytelling may feel circular, as they loop back to earlier events in the story, adding depth.

Translations

Translations of the word "circularly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 circularmente

🇮🇳 वृत्ताकार रूप से

🇩🇪 kreisförmig

🇮🇩 secara melingkar

🇺🇦 циркулярно

🇵🇱 cyrkularnie

🇯🇵 円形に

🇫🇷 circulairement

🇪🇸 circularmente

🇹🇷 dairesel olarak

🇰🇷 원형으로

🇸🇦 بشكل دائري

🇨🇿 kruhově

🇸🇰 kruhovito

🇨🇳 循环地

🇸🇮 krožno

🇮🇸 hringlaga

🇰🇿 шеңбер бойынша

🇬🇪 წრიულად

🇦🇿 dairəvi şəkildə

🇲🇽 circularmente