What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cyclical
Example
The economy goes through cyclical changes, with periods of growth followed by periods of recession. [cyclical: adjective]
Example
The seasons are cyclical, with spring, summer, fall, and winter repeating every year. [cyclical: adjective]
circular
Example
The moon appears circular when viewed from Earth. [circular: adjective]
Example
The office sent a circular email to all employees regarding the upcoming holiday party. [circular: noun]
Example
We took a circular route around the park and ended up back where we started. [circular: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Circular is more commonly used than cyclical in everyday language. Circular is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cyclical is less common and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cyclical and circular?
Cyclical is more formal than circular, which is more commonly used in informal contexts.
