Rectangle: meaning, definitions and examples

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rectangle

 

[ ˈrɛktæŋɡəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

shape

A rectangle is a four-sided shape with opposite sides that are equal in length and four right angles.

Synonyms

oblong, quadrangle, square.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rectangle

Used when referring to a four-sided shape with opposite sides that are equal in length and four right angles. Commonly used in geometry and everyday situations like describing tables, screens, or papers.

  • The teacher drew a rectangle on the board.
  • We need a rectangular table for the conference room.
oblong

Used to describe an elongated shape, especially one that is longer in one direction than the other. Often employed when the exact shape is a bit flexible but generally rectangular.

  • She preferred an oblong rug for the living room.
  • The garden had an oblong pool.
quadrangle

Mostly used in architectural contexts or in formal language to refer to a four-sided polygon or an open space surrounded by buildings. It can be any shape with four sides, not necessarily rectangular.

  • The university's main quadrangle is surrounded by old buildings.
  • A fence enclosed the whole quadrangle.
square

Refers to a four-sided shape with all sides of equal length and four right angles. It's often used in both geometry and casual conversation for items that have all sides equal.

  • He cut the cake into squares.
  • We played chess on a square board.

Examples of usage

  • The table had a rectangular shape.
  • She drew a rectangle on the whiteboard.
Context #2 | Noun

mathematics

In mathematics, a rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right angles.

Synonyms

parallelogram, quadrilateral, square.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rectangle

Used to describe a four-sided shape with opposite sides equal and all angles 90 degrees. Often used in everyday contexts like describing objects such as books or screens.

  • She drew a rectangle on the whiteboard to illustrate her point.
  • The new TV has a larger rectangular screen.
parallelogram

Mainly used in geometry to describe a four-sided shape where opposite sides are parallel and equal in length. It's more technical and less common in everyday speech.

  • In math class, we learned how to calculate the area of a parallelogram.
  • Her necklace had a unique parallelogram-shaped pendant.
quadrilateral

Often used in mathematical and geometric contexts to describe any four-sided shape, including squares, rectangles, and parallelograms.

  • Quadrilateral shapes can have very different forms like squares, rectangles, and trapezoids.
  • The problem asked us to classify various quadrilaterals.
square

Describes a four-sided shape with all sides equal length and all angles 90 degrees. Commonly used both in everyday language and in geometry.

  • He drew a perfect square on the napkin while explaining his idea.
  • The garden is shaped like a square.

Examples of usage

  • The area of a rectangle is calculated by multiplying its length by its width.
  • The perimeter of a rectangle is found by adding all its sides.
Context #3 | Noun

architecture

In architecture, a rectangle is a shape commonly used for building foundations and floor plans.

Synonyms

oblong, quadrangle, square.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rectangle

Used when referring to a four-sided polygon with opposite sides that are equal and all angles being 90 degrees. Common in mathematical descriptions and everyday language.

  • The window is shaped like a rectangle
  • The rectangle's length is twice its width
oblong

Used when describing objects that are longer than they are wide, typically with rounded edges. Often used in a more casual context or when referring to shapes that are not perfect rectangles.

  • The table has an oblong shape
  • I prefer oblong bread loaves over round ones
quadrangle

Primarily used in more formal or academic contexts to describe any four-sided figure. Often seen in geometry or architecture.

  • The courtyard was a perfect quadrangle
  • Students gathered in the quadrangle to discuss their projects
square

Specifically refers to a four-sided figure with equal sides and all angles being 90 degrees. Commonly used in both everyday and mathematical contexts to denote perfect symmetry.

  • He drew a square on the board
  • We need to cut the fabric into squares

Examples of usage

  • The building had a rectangular layout.
  • The room was designed in the shape of a rectangle.

Translations

Translations of the word "rectangle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retângulo

🇮🇳 आयत

🇩🇪 Rechteck

🇮🇩 persegi panjang

🇺🇦 прямокутник

🇵🇱 prostokąt

🇯🇵 長方形

🇫🇷 rectangle

🇪🇸 rectángulo

🇹🇷 dikdörtgen

🇰🇷 직사각형

🇸🇦 مستطيل

🇨🇿 obdélník

🇸🇰 obdĺžnik

🇨🇳 矩形

🇸🇮 pravokotnik

🇮🇸 réttur

🇰🇿 тік төртбұрыш

🇬🇪 მართკუთხედი

🇦🇿 düzbucaqlı

🇲🇽 rectángulo

Etymology

The word 'rectangle' originated from the Latin word 'rectangulus', which means right-angled. The concept of a rectangle has been used in mathematics and geometry for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks. Rectangles have been a fundamental shape in architecture and design, providing stability and symmetry in structures. The versatility of rectangles makes them a common choice for various applications, from building construction to graphic design.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,410, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.