circle Definition
- 1a round shape that has no beginning or end
- 2a group of people with shared professions, interests, or acquaintances
- 3an enclosed area formed by a circle of people for a particular purpose
Using circle: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "circle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The children sat in a circle on the floor.
Example
She drew a circle around the word.
Example
He is a member of a small circle of intellectuals.
Example
The dancers formed a circle and held hands.
circle Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using circle
Example
When the company was accused of wrongdoing, they quickly circled the wagons and refused to comment.
Example
After years of traveling, she found herself back in her hometown, having come full circle.
a person or thing that is unsuited to or ill-equipped for a particular role or situation
Example
He was a square peg in a round hole at the law firm, where his creative approach clashed with the conservative culture.
Phrases with circle
vicious circle
a situation in which one problem causes another problem that then makes the first problem worse
Example
His lack of experience led to a vicious circle of unemployment and poverty.
Example
Only members of the inner circle were privy to the company's financial information.
Example
After years of traveling, she found herself back in her hometown, having come full circle.
Origins of circle
from Latin 'circulus', meaning 'small ring'
Summary: circle in Brief
The term 'circle' [ˈsɜːkl] refers to a round shape with no beginning or end, a group of people with shared professions, interests, or acquaintances, and an enclosed area formed by a circle of people for a particular purpose. It also extends into phrases like 'vicious circle,' denoting a self-reinforcing problem, and idioms like 'circle the wagons,' meaning to prepare to defend oneself against an attack or criticism.
