Round Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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round
[raʊnd ]
Definitions
shape
A shape that is curved and without any sharp angles.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| round |
Use this word for objects shaped like a circle or a ball, often without a focus on precise mathematical perfection.
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| circular |
Best used for objects that have a perfect or nearly perfect round shape, especially when talking about geometric shapes or designs.
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| spherical |
Preferable when talking about three-dimensional objects that are perfectly round, like balls or globes. This term is often used in scientific contexts.
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| oval |
This word is useful for objects that are elongated circles or egg-shaped, often used in art and design.
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Examples of usage
- The table has a round top.
- She drew a perfect round circle on the paper.
mathematics
A mathematical concept that represents a set of points that are equidistant from a central point.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| round |
Can be used synonymously with 'circular' or 'spherical' in general descriptions of shape. It is versatile and more casual.
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| circle |
Typically used in a mathematical or geometrical context, or to describe something that is perfectly round and closed.
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| ring |
Refers to a circular band, usually worn on a finger as jewelry. Can also describe circular shapes with an empty space inside.
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| disk |
Often used to describe thin, flat, circular objects. Commonly used in technology or health contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The students were learning about the properties of a circle in geometry class.
- The earth is approximately a sphere, a type of round object.
action
To move in a circular direction or shape.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| round |
Use 'round' when referring to objects or shapes that have a circular shape or to describe rounding a number. It can also be used to describe moving around something.
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| circle |
Use 'circle' when describing a closed curved shape where all points are equidistant from the center. It can also describe a group of people or things arranged in a circular formation.
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| encircle |
Use 'encircle' when referring to the act of forming a circle around something or someone, often implying a sense of surrounding completely.
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| surround |
Use 'surround' to describe enclosing someone or something on all sides. This word often implies a more general sense compared to 'encircle'.
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Examples of usage
- The dancers will round the stage during the performance.
- He rounded the corner of the street before disappearing from sight.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In geometry, a round shape is defined as a circle, characterized by all points being the same distance from the center.
- The concept of rounding in math also relates to simplifying numbers to make them easier to work with, like changing 4.7 to 5.
Cultural Significance
- Round shapes often symbolize unity and wholeness in many cultures. This ties to beliefs about cycles and eternity.
- In some traditions, round structures, like circular temples or arenas, were built to create a space that fosters community and togetherness.
Science
- In nature, many objects are round, like planets or bubbles, due to the equal distribution of forces acting on them.
- The Earth's shape is often described as an oblate spheroid, which is very round but slightly flattened at the poles.
Art
- Artists frequently use round forms to evoke emotions, as circular shapes can create a sense of harmony and balance in visual compositions.
- The motif of circles appears in ancient art, representing concepts like eternity and infinity, seen in items like rings and mandalas.
Folklore
- In folklore, round tables symbolize equality, as seen in the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, where all members were seen as equals.
- Many tales feature round objects, such as magic mirrors or enchanted balls, which often play significant roles in the story's progression.
Origin of 'round'
The word 'round' has its origins in Old English 'rund' which meant 'a circular object or piece'. It evolved over time to refer to the shape itself as well as actions related to circles. The word has been used in various contexts throughout history, from describing physical shapes to mathematical concepts. The versatility of 'round' has made it a common word in the English language, used in everyday speech and academic discussions.
See also: around, roundabout, roundaboutly, roundball, rounded, roundel, roundness, rounds.