Reading Theme:
Round Meaning: Circular, Competition Stage & Approximate Number (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：circular in shape (round)
round
/raʊnd/
adj., n.
Shaped like a circle or a ball.
circular in shape
➕
/ˈsɜːrkjələr ɪn ʃeɪp/
adj., n.
Having a shape that is like a circle or a sphere; not angular or square.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old French 'rond', from Latin 'rotundus' meaning 'round' or 'wheel-shaped'.
💡 Mnemonic
Picture a round pizza rolling down a hill: it spins round and round!
📖 Example
Most pizzas are cut into triangles, but I once saw a round pizza that was cut into squares!
Most pizzas are cut into triangles, but I once saw a round pizza that was cut into squares!
🔗 Collocations
round shape – a form that is curved and without corners
round object – any item that is spherical or circular
round table – a table with a circular top
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'round' traces to Latin 'rotundus'. Its association with fairness appears in King Arthur's Round Table, where no seat was at the head, symbolizing equality among knights.
Meaning 2：a stage in a competition (round)
round
/raʊnd/
adj., n.
A set period of time in a game, competition, or negotiation.
a stage in a competition
➕
/ə steɪdʒ ɪn ə ˌkɑːmpəˈtɪʃən/
adj., n.
A single, complete period of play or activity within a larger contest, game, or negotiation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In the boxing match, the first round lasted three minutes, and both fighters were very cautious.
In the boxing match, the first round lasted three minutes, and both fighters were very cautious.
🔗 Collocations
first round – the initial stage of a contest
final round – the last stage that determines the winner
round of applause – a period of clapping by an audience
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
whole match (n.) – the entire competition from start to finish
finale (n.) – the concluding part of an event
🌱 Derivatives
rounder (n.) – a person who competes in multiple rounds (rare)
Meaning 3：approximate number (round)
round
/raʊnd/
adj., n.
Referring to a number that is not exact, usually ending in 0 or 5.
approximate number
➕
/əˈprɑːksɪmət ˈnʌmbər/
adj., n.
Describing a number that has been adjusted to a simpler form, usually ending in 0 or 5, for convenience or estimation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
"How much is that?" "Oh, just a round twenty dollars."
"How much is that?" "Oh, just a round twenty dollars."
🔗 Collocations
round number – a number ending in zero (or five) that is used for simplicity
round figure – an approximate sum, typically expressed in tens, hundreds, etc.
round up – to increase a number to the nearest whole value or multiple
🔄 Synonyms
approximate (adj.) – close to the exact amount but not precise
rounded (adj.) – adjusted to a simpler number
whole (adj.) – not broken into fractions; an integer
🚫 Antonyms
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