circular
/ˈsɜːkjələ(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɜːrkjələr/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsər-kyə-lər/ (ame, mw) · /ˈsɜː.kjə.lər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɝː.kjə.lɚ/ (ame, ipa)
circular — adjective
- circularpositive
- more circularcomparative
- most circularsuperlative
1. having a shape like a ring or a curved line where every point is the same distan
having a shape like a ring or a curved line where every point is the same distance from the centre
The children sat in a circular arrangement on the classroom floor.
collocation: circular arrangement / circular seating
Aiko wore a beautiful circular brooch that her grandmother had given her.
The new office building has a circular glass tower at its centre.
Yusuf drew a perfect circular shape using a compass in geometry class.
The garden path was circular, looping around the old oak tree.
- round
more general and informal; used for any curved shape without corners
- ring-shaped
specifically describes a circle with a hole in the middle
- curved
broader meaning; describes any bending line, not necessarily forming a full circle
文法句型
circular + noun
be + circular
用法筆記
This sense is the most common use of the word. When used predicatively (be + circular), it describes the overall shape of an object rather than a specific circular part of it.
常見錯誤
2. following a round path or route that brings something or someone back to the sta
following a round path or route that brings something or someone back to the starting point
The dancers performed a smooth circular movement across the stage.
collocation: circular movement / circular motion
Traffic in the city centre follows a circular route that passes the main landmarks.
The tour bus took a circular path through the old town and then returned to the hotel.
Beatriz traced a circular pattern on the sand with her finger.
- straight
moving in one direction without turning
文法句型
circular + noun (describing motion/route)
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (ROUND SHAPE): this sense describes motion or direction, not the static shape of an object. The noun it modifies is typically a movement word (motion, route, path, pattern).
3. describing a type of thinking or argument where the starting assumption and the
describing a type of thinking or argument where the starting assumption and the final claim are the same thing, so the reasoning never moves forward
Wen's argument was circular — she said the plan would succeed because it was the best option, and vice versa.
circular argument / circular reasoning — standard term for this logical fallacy
The professor pointed out that the essay contained circular logic that proved nothing new.
In a circular debate each side simply repeats its own position without making any progress.
Saying 'I am honest because I always tell the truth' is a circular explanation that adds no real proof.
- illogical
broader; describes any argument that does not follow valid reasoning, not just circular ones
- self-referential
describes a statement that refers to itself, often in a way that makes it impossible to verify
- tautological
more technical; describes a statement that is true by definition and adds no new information
文法句型
circular + noun (argument/reasoning/logic)
be + circular
用法筆記
Only this sense of 'circular' is used in formal, academic, or logical contexts. Frequently paired with 'argument', 'reasoning', 'logic', or 'explanation'. Distinguished from sense 1 and 2 by its abstract, non-physical meaning.
常見錯誤
4. (of a letter, announcement, or message) created for distribution to a wide audie
(of a letter, announcement, or message) created for distribution to a wide audience at the same time
The school sent a circular letter to all parents about the upcoming sports day.
collocation: circular letter / circular notice
Priya received a circular email from the company about the new holiday schedule.
Circular advertisements were placed in every mailbox along the street.
The manager asked the team to prepare a circular announcement for all branches.
文法句型
circular + noun (letter/email/notice/announcement)
用法筆記
This sense always appears before a noun — it is not used predicatively. The modifier 'circular' here does not relate to shape or motion; it signals wide distribution. Common in workplace, school, and government communication.
circular — noun
- circularsingular
- circularsplural
1. a printed document, leaflet, or notice that is sent or given to many people, oft
a printed document, leaflet, or notice that is sent or given to many people, often for advertising or information
The supermarket sent out a circular listing this week's special offers.
common in retail — a store circular listing prices and deals
Kofi found a circular in his mailbox advertising a new restaurant in the neighbourhood.
The government issued a circular explaining the new tax rules for small businesses.
Leila designed a bright yellow circular to promote the charity bake sale.
Many people now read the weekly circular online instead of receiving a paper copy.
- leaflet
a small printed sheet of paper given out to advertise something
- flyer
an informal printed advertisement, often handed out in public places
- bulletin
a short official notice or news report, often distributed within an organisation
- newsletter
a regularly distributed publication containing news and information about an organisation
文法句型
send out / issue / receive + a circular
用法筆記
The noun 'circular' is closely related to adjective sense 4 (SENT TO MANY). It is always a concrete, countable noun — you can say 'a circular' or 'circulars'. In modern usage, electronic circulars (emails, PDFs) are common alongside paper versions.