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Circle Meaning, Examples & Common Uses (2 meaning)

Meaning 1:round shape (circle)

circle 🔊
/ˈsɜːrkl/
n.
A round shape, like something you draw with a compass or when people hold hands and stand in a ring.
Children sitting in a circle shape on green carpet
round shape 🔊
/raʊnd ʃeɪp/
n.
A perfectly round two-dimensional figure with all points on its boundary equidistant from its center.
📁 Category:School Education 🔖 Level:Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'circulus' (little ring), diminutive of 'circus' (ring).
💡 Mnemonic
Picture a circle of kids holding hands – it's a ring, just like the letter 'c' starts a curve that comes full circle.
📖 Example
The children sat in a circle on the floor to play a game. 🔊 The children sat in a circle on the floor to play a game.
🔗 Collocations
in a circle – arranged or moving in the form of a circle
draw a circle – to create a round shape using a pencil or tool
circle pattern – a repeating design of circular shapes
🔄 Synonyms
ring (n.) – A circular band or shape, often used for jewelry or as a geometric form.
disc (n.) – A flat, circular object or shape.
hoop (n.) – A circular band of metal, wood, or other material.
🚫 Antonyms
square (n.) – A four-sided shape with equal sides and right angles.
line (n.) – A straight one-dimensional figure with no curvature.
🌱 Derivatives
circular (adj.) – Having the shape of a circle; round.
circulate (v.) – To move around in a circular path or spread widely.
circus (n.) – A large show with acrobats, clowns, and animals, often held in a circular arena.
📖 Cultural Story
Circle originates from the Latin word 'circulus', a diminutive of 'circus' (ring). In ancient Rome, 'circus' referred to circular arenas. Today, the word describes both geometric rings and social networks.

Meaning 2:social group (circle)

circle 🔊
/ˈsɜːrkl/
n.
A group of people who share similar interests, jobs, or activities and often spend time together.
Friends chatting in a social circle at a cafe
social group 🔊
/ˈsoʊʃəl ɡruːp/
n.
A group of people who share a common interest, profession, or background, often forming a network.
📁 Category:Social Roles 🔖 Level:Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example
She expanded her social circle by joining a local book club and a yoga class. 🔊 She expanded her social circle by joining a local book club and a yoga class.
🔗 Collocations
social circle – The network of friends and acquaintances a person interacts with.
inner circle – The most trusted or influential group within a larger organization or society.
circle of friends – A group of close friends who regularly spend time together.
🔄 Synonyms
group (n.) – A number of people or things that are located, gathered, or classed together.
network (n.) – A group of interconnected people or organizations.
clique (n.) – A small, exclusive group of people who share common interests.
🚫 Antonyms
outsider (n.) – A person who does not belong to a particular group or community.
loner (n.) – A person who prefers to be alone rather than with others.
stranger (n.) – A person whom one does not know or is not familiar with.
🌱 Derivatives
encircle (v.) – To form a circle around; surround.
circular (adj.) – Relating to or involving a group of people, often in a mailing list or communication.
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