circle

[ˈsɜːkl]

circle Definition

• 1. a round shape that has no beginning or end
• 2. a group of people with shared professions, interests, or acquaintances
• 3. an 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

Synonyms for circle

• ring
• round
• loop
• cycle
• sphere

Antonyms for circle

• square
• rectangle
• triangle

Idioms Using circle

• circle the wagons

  to prepare to defend oneself against an attack or criticism

  Example

  When the company was accused of wrongdoing, they quickly circled the wagons and refused to comment.

• come full circle

  to return to the original position or state of affairs

  Example

  After years of traveling, she found herself back in her hometown, having come full circle.

• square peg in a round hole

  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.

• inner circle

  a small, exclusive group of people who have a lot of power or influence

  Example

  Only members of the inner circle were privy to the company's financial information.

• full circle

  a return to the original position or state of affairs

  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'

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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.