Circular Meaning
/ˈsɜː.kjə.lə/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjOf or relating to a circle.
adjIn the shape of, or moving in, a circle.
Sentence Examples
The house looks circular, but it isn't a complete circle.
Only in philosophy can you use a circular argument and get praised for it.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The pizza box was ____, not square like most takeout containers.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The table in the dining room is ____ and can seat up to six people.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English circuler, circuleer, circulere, from Old French circulier (French circulaire), from Late Latin circularis, from Latin circulus, diminutive of circus (“ring”). By surface analysis, circle + -ar.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Here, in the transept and choir, where the service was being held, one was conscious every moment of an increasing brightness; colours glowing vividly beneath the circular chandeliers, and the rows of small lights on the choristers' desks flashed and sparkled in front of the boys' faces, deep linen collars, and red neckbands."
— 1918, W[illiam] B[abington] Maxwell, chapter V, in The Mirror and the Lamp, Indianapolis, Ind.: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, →OCLC:
"It must be conceded that this definition (the definition of tort) is somewhat circular, but it is the only one that will suffice."
— 2019, Paulia Giliker, chapter 1, in Tort, Eighth edition, Thompson Reuters, →ISBN, What is tort? (section 1-002), page 2:
"a proclamation of Henry III., […] doubtless circular throughout England"
— 1827, Henry Hallam, The Constitutional History of England from the Accession of Henry VII. to the Death of George II. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: John Murray, […], →OCLC:
"A man so absolute and circular / In all those wished-for rarities that may take / A virgin captive."
— 1632, Philip Massinger, Maid of Honour, act I, scene 2:
"The pigeon-hole was also stuffed with circulars and hand-bills."
— 1991 September, Stephen Fry, chapter 2, in The Liar, London: Heinemann, →ISBN, section I, page 40:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The pizza box was ____, not square like most takeout containers.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The table in the dining room is ____ and can seat up to six people.