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Rectangular Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rectangular

[rɛkˈtæŋɡjʊlər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

shape

Having the shape of a rectangle; having four straight sides and four right angles, especially one with unequal adjacent sides, in contrast to a square.

Synonyms

oblong, rectilinear, square.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rectangular

Used to describe something that has the shape of a rectangle, having opposite sides equal and four right angles. Suitable for general and technical descriptions.

  • The classroom had a rectangular layout with desks arranged in rows.
  • She placed the rectangular tray on the table.
oblong

Typically used to describe something that is longer than it is wide, often with rounded edges. Commonly seen in descriptions of physical shapes that are elongated.

  • The garden had an oblong pond decorated with lily pads.
  • He picked up the oblong loaf of bread from the bakery.
square

Describes something with four equal sides and four right angles. Commonly used in everyday language and technical contexts to highlight the equality of length in all sides.

  • The artist sketched a perfect square on the canvas.
  • They decided to meet at the town square.
rectilinear

More technical and formal, often used in disciplines like geometry and physics to describe lines, motion, or shapes that form straight lines and right angles.

  • The engineer explained the rectilinear motion of the machine parts.
  • The architecture featured a complex of connected rectilinear structures.

Examples of usage

  • a rectangular table
  • a rectangular building
  • a rectangular piece of paper
Context #2 | Noun

geometry

A four-sided figure having four right angles.

Synonyms

oblong, parallelogram, quadrilateral.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rectangular

Use when describing objects or shapes with four right angles and opposite sides of equal length. Common in everyday descriptions, geometric contexts, and architecture.

  • The room has a rectangular shape with two longer walls and two shorter ones.
  • She bought a rectangular table for the dining room.
oblong

Best for describing objects that are longer than they are wide, often with rounded edges. Common in everyday language for non-exact shapes and objects.

  • He handed me an oblong piece of paper.
  • The pills are oblong in shape and easy to swallow.
parallelogram

Specific to geometric contexts, describing a four-sided figure with opposite sides that are parallel and equal in length. Useful in mathematical discussions or geometry lessons.

  • In geometry class, we learned how to calculate the area of a parallelogram.
  • Her project involved drawing different types of parallelograms.
quadrilateral

General term for any four-sided shape. Used mainly in mathematical contexts or where a specific type of four-sided figure is not needed.

  • A square, rectangle, and parallelogram are all types of quadrilaterals.
  • The lesson focused on the properties of different quadrilaterals.

Examples of usage

  • The garden was a perfect rectangle.
  • The shape of the pool is rectangular.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Geometry

  • Rectangles have angles of 90 degrees, making them a type of quadrilateral that is very common in everyday objects.
  • In a rectangle, the opposite sides are equal, which helps in measuring space and creating structures.
  • Squares are a special kind of rectangle where all four sides are the same length.

Art and Design

  • Many famous paintings, such as the Mona Lisa, are displayed within rectangular frames, highlighting the shape's significance in art.
  • In modern architecture, rectangular designs are favored for their simplicity and efficiency, often used in skyscrapers and homes.
  • Graphic design often uses rectangles for layout, creating a visual structure that guides the viewer's eye.

Everyday Life

  • Most books, laptops, and tablets are rectangular, making them easy to hold and fit into bags.
  • Many roads and city blocks are laid out in rectangular grids, allowing for organized transportation systems.
  • Tables and desks commonly come in rectangular shapes, providing ample space for working or dining.

Mathematics

  • The area of a rectangle is calculated by multiplying its length by its width, which is important in construction and design.
  • Rectangles can be used to teach basic concepts of geometry, including perimeter and area, which are foundations of mathematics.
  • The concept of rectangles extends into advanced mathematics, where they are often used in algebra and calculus to demonstrate various principles.

Engineering

  • Rectangles play a vital role in engineering and construction, forming the basis for many structures due to their stability.
  • In mechanical design, rectangular shapes facilitate the creation of components such as frames and beams that distribute weight evenly.
  • The use of rectangular materials, like steel sheets, allows for efficient manufacturing and assembly in building projects.

Origin of 'rectangular'

The word 'rectangular' originates from the Latin word 'rectangulus', which is a combination of 'rectus' meaning right and 'angulus' meaning angle. The concept of rectangles has been present in geometry for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,283 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.