Sphere: meaning, definitions and examples

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sphere

 

[ sfษชษ™r ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

shape

A sphere is a three-dimensional round geometric shape. It is perfectly symmetrical in all directions, with all points equidistant from the center.

Synonyms

ball, globe, orb.

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Word Description / Examples
sphere

This is a duplicate entry. Please refer to the context provided previously.

ball

Commonly used in everyday language, particularly in sports and games, to describe a round object that can be thrown, hit, or kicked.

  • He threw the ball to his friend
  • Children love playing with a beach ball at the park
globe

Often used when referring to a spherical model of the Earth or in a more formal context to describe a sphere representing the world.

  • She has a globe on her desk to remind her of her travel dreams
  • The teacher used a globe to explain the Earth's rotation
orb

Typically used in literary or poetic contexts to describe a spherical object, often with a mystical or ancient connotation. Can also appear in fantasy contexts.

  • The wizard gazed into the glowing orb
  • The moon hung in the night sky like a silver orb

Examples of usage

  • The Earth is approximately a sphere.
  • The crystal ball was a perfect sphere.
Context #2 | Noun

astronomy

In astronomy, a sphere refers to the sky or celestial dome. It is an imaginary sphere of infinite radius centered on the observer, used to represent the apparent positions of celestial objects.

Synonyms

celestial sphere, heavens.

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Word Description / Examples
sphere

Use 'sphere' when referring to a round, three-dimensional object or area of activity or knowledge.

  • The Earth is not a perfect sphere.
  • He made significant contributions to the sphere of science.
celestial sphere

Use 'celestial sphere' in an astronomical context when referring to an imaginary sphere that surrounds Earth and onto which all celestial bodies can be projected.

  • Astronomers use the concept of the celestial sphere to map the positions of stars.
  • The celestial sphere is a crucial tool in navigation and astronomy.
heavens

Use 'heavens' when speaking poetically or religiously about the sky or universe, often implying divine or awe-inspiring aspects.

  • She gazed at the heavens, marveling at the stars.
  • The ancient cultures often looked to the heavens for guidance and inspiration.

Examples of usage

  • The stars are located on the celestial sphere.
  • The celestial sphere helps astronomers map out the night sky.
Context #3 | Noun

field

In a specific field, a sphere can refer to a particular area of knowledge, activity, or interest.

Synonyms

area, domain, realm.

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Word Description / Examples
sphere

Used to describe an area or a category of influence, activity, or interest.

  • The sphere of international politics is highly complex.
  • He excels in the academic sphere.
domain

Typically used in formal contexts to indicate an area of knowledge, influence, or activity, often with a technical or specialized connotation.

  • Cybersecurity falls under the domain of IT professionals.
  • His work explores the domain of theoretical physics.
realm

Often used to describe a field of activity, interest, or expertise, sometimes with a more poetic or grandiose tone.

  • She is a key figure in the realm of classical music.
  • Their discoveries have pushed the realm of science forward.
area

Commonly used to denote a physical region or a subject of study or interest.

  • The area around the park is beautiful in autumn.
  • My area of expertise is medieval literature.

Examples of usage

  • She is an expert in the sphere of finance.
  • The conference will focus on various spheres of technology.

Translations

Translations of the word "sphere" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น esfera

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅ‹เคฒเคพเค•เคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kugel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bola

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั„ะตั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sfera

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ƒ (ใŸใพ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sphรจre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ esfera

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kรผre

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ตฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sfรฉra

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ sfรฉra

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ƒ (qiรบ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sfera

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kรบla

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัั„ะตั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒคแƒ”แƒ แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sfera

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ esfera

Etymology

The word 'sphere' originated from the Latin word 'sphaera' and the Greek word 'sphaira,' both meaning 'ball' or 'globe.' The concept of a sphere has been studied and utilized in mathematics, geometry, astronomy, and various fields of science for centuries. Ancient civilizations recognized the spherical shape of celestial bodies and used spheres to represent perfection and symmetry. Today, the term 'sphere' continues to be fundamental in describing round shapes, celestial mapping, and specialized areas of expertise.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,486, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.