Rectangular: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：shaped like a rectangle (rectangular)

rectangular 🔊

/ˌrekˈtæŋɡjələ(r)/

adj.

Having a shape with four straight sides, four right angles, and opposite sides that are equal in length.

Rectangular shape illustration: a wooden table with laptop and notebook

shaped like a rectangle 🔊

➕

/ʃeɪpt laɪk ə ˈrek.tæŋ.ɡl̩/

adj.

Describing a shape that has four straight sides, four right angles, and opposite sides of equal length.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'rectus' (straight, right) + 'angulus' (angle) + suffix '-ar'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a RECTANGLE on a banner - it's a shape with right angles!

📖 Example

The new smartphone has a large, rectangular screen that makes watching videos a pleasure. 🔊 The new smartphone features a large screen with a rectangle shape, enhancing the video-watching experience.

🔗 Collocations

rectangular prism – A solid 3D object with six rectangular faces.

rectangular table – A table with a flat surface shaped like a rectangle.

rectangular coordinates – A system that uses perpendicular axes to locate a point, like on a graph.

🔄 Synonyms

oblong (adj./n.) – Often used for a rectangle that is longer than it is wide.

quadrilateral (n./adj.) – Any flat shape with four straight sides, which includes rectangles.

right-angled (adj.) – Having an angle of 90 degrees, a key feature of a rectangle.

🚫 Antonyms

circular (adj.) – Shaped like a circle; round.

round (adj.) – Shaped like a circle or cylinder; curved.

oval (adj.) – Having a rounded and slightly elongated shape, like an egg.

🌱 Derivatives

rectangle (n.) – A flat shape with four straight sides and four right angles.

rectangularly (adv.) – In a rectangular manner or shape.

rectangularity (n.) – The quality or state of being rectangular.

📖 Cultural Story

The word entered English via French from Latin 'rectangulum', a combination of 'rectus' (right) and 'angulus' (angle). It describes the fundamental shape defined by right angles in Euclidean geometry, essential in architecture, engineering, and design.