angular
/ˈæŋɡjələ(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈæŋɡjələr/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈaŋ-gyə-lər/ (ame, mw)
angular — adjective
- angularpositive
- more angularcomparative
- most angularsuperlative
1. connected with angles as a concept in geometry and related fields — for example,
connected with angles as a concept in geometry and related fields — for example, describing how far apart two stars appear from Earth, or how fast a wheel spins around its centre.
During geometry class, students calculated the angular distance between two points on a circle.
collocation: angular distance
The astronomer used a telescope to measure the angular separation of the two stars.
collocation: angular separation
Engineers must consider the angular velocity of the rotating turbine blades.
The steering wheel lets the driver change the angular position of the front wheels.
常見錯誤
2. having a shape with clear straight edges and pointed corners rather than curves
having a shape with clear straight edges and pointed corners rather than curves — used for buildings, furniture, designs, and natural objects that stand out because of their geometric outline.
The new office building has an angular design with sharp glass edges and metal beams.
collocation: angular design
The designer chose angular furniture with straight lines instead of round shapes.
collocation: angular furniture
The ancient temple was built from angular stone blocks fitted together without cement.
The hiking trail followed an angular path up the side of the rocky cliff.
The graphic designer drew angular patterns using a ruler and a fine-tipped pen.
- sharp-cornered
more literal and less elegant; describes physical objects with clear corners
- jagged
describes uneven, rough, or broken edges, not clean geometric shapes
- geometric
broader term covering all geometric forms, not specifically sharp or angled
用法筆記
This is the most frequent meaning of 'angular' in everyday English — the pure geometry sense (Sense 1) is largely limited to mathematics, astronomy, and engineering. The thin-appearance sense (Sense 3) is also common but mainly in descriptions of faces or bodies after illness, hunger, or old age. Sense 2 contrasts with 'curved' or 'rounded' and appears often in design, architecture, and visual descriptions of objects.
常見錯誤
3. extremely thin, with bones sticking out visibly under the skin — used to describ
extremely thin, with bones sticking out visibly under the skin — used to describe a person's face or body, often as a result of illness, hunger, or old age.
After the long illness, the old woman's angular shoulders were visible through her hospital gown.
collocation: angular shoulders
The rescued dog had an angular frame with every rib showing through its matted fur.
collocation: angular frame
The prisoner's angular face showed the effects of months spent without adequate food.
The elderly man's angular hands had prominent veins and large knuckles.
- plump
pleasantly rounded or full in shape
- full-faced
having a round, soft face without prominent bones
用法筆記
⚠️ Sensitivity caution: describing someone as having 'an angular face' or 'angular features' can be neutral or even positive in fashion or artistic contexts (suggesting high cheekbones or a defined jawline). However, describing someone's whole body as 'angular' may be perceived as a negative comment on their thinness. It is safest to use this sense when the cause is clear (illness, hunger, old age) or in neutral descriptions of facial bone structure. Avoid using it as a casual remark about someone's weight.