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Square: Meanings, Examples, and Common Uses (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：equilateral rectangle (square)
square
/skwɛər/
n.
A shape with four straight sides of equal length and four right angles.
equilateral rectangle
➕
/ˌiː.kwɪˈlæt.ər.əl ˈrek.tæŋ.ɡəl/
n.
A geometric shape with four equal sides and four right angles, often used in design and mathematics.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'exquadra' (to square), via Old French 'esquare'.
💡 Mnemonic
A square has four equal sides; think of a 'square deal' being fair and balanced.
📖 Example
She cut the paper into a perfect square to use as a gift tag.
She cut the paper into a perfect square to use as a gift tag.
🔗 Collocations
perfect square – A square with exactly equal sides and angles
square meter – A unit of area equal to a square measuring one meter per side
square root – A number that when multiplied by itself gives a specified number
🔄 Synonyms
quadrilateral (n.) – Any four-sided shape, but often implies a square when regular
rectangle (n.) – A shape with four right angles, but sides may be unequal (square is a special type)
diamond (n.) – A four-sided shape with equal sides but no right angles (rhombus), sometimes confused with square
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
squarely (adv.) – Directly, without deviation; in a square manner
squareness (n.) – The quality of being square in shape
squarish (adj.) – Approximately square in shape
📖 Cultural Story
In ancient Rome, public squares (forums) were central for politics and trade, shaping the word's dual meaning.
Meaning 2：public town square (square)
square
/skwɛər/
n.
An open public area in a city, often surrounded by buildings and streets.
public town square
➕
/ˈpʌb.lɪk taʊn skweər/
n.
An open area in a city, often with benches, fountains, and surrounded by buildings; a hub for social gatherings.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
We enjoyed a sunny afternoon sitting on a bench in the town square.
We enjoyed a sunny afternoon sitting on a bench in the town square.
🔗 Collocations
town square – The main public square in a town
market square – A square where markets are held
square cafe – A café located on or facing a square
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
Meaning 3：old-fashioned person (square)
square
/skwɛər/
n.
A person who is too traditional, boring, and not open to new ideas or trends.
old-fashioned person
➕
/ˈoʊldˈfæʃ.ənd ˈpɜːr.sən/
n.
A person who avoids modern trends, new ideas, or unconventional behavior; often seen as overly conventional or boring.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My uncle thinks jazz music is too noisy; he's such a square when it comes to modern art.
My uncle thinks jazz music is too noisy; he's such a square when it comes to modern art.
🔗 Collocations
be a square – To be overly conventional or unadventurous
square attitude – A rigid, old-fashioned mindset
square mentality – A way of thinking that resists change and novelty
🔄 Synonyms
conservative (n./adj.) – A person who prefers traditional values and is cautious about change
stick-in-the-mud (n.) – Someone who is resistant to new activities or ideas
fuddy-duddy (n.) – An old-fashioned, fussy person who disapproves of modern behavior
🚫 Antonyms
hipster (n.) – A person who follows the latest trends, especially in fashion and music
rebel (n.) – Someone who defies conventions and authority
trendsetter (n.) – A person who starts new fashions or ideas
🌱 Derivatives
squarely (adv.) – In a straightforward, honest manner; also can mean 'directly' (as in facing something)
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