circular
SUR-kyuh-luh
Circular (adj) means Shaped like or relating to a circle. Example: “Children sat in a circular formation on the classroom carpet.”
adj
1
Shaped like or relating to a circle.
"Children sat in a circular formation on the classroom carpet."
"The path follows a circular route around the lake."
"The table had a circular top."
2
Describing an argument that assumes what it is trying to prove, so it never actually reaches a conclusion.
"Saying it is true because it says so is circular logic."
"The teacher pointed out that the essay's argument was circular."
"His reasoning was circular — he used the claim itself as its own proof."
noun
1
A printed notice or advertisement sent to a large number of people.
"A circular about the new bus timetable came through our door today."
"The school sent a circular to every parent about the trip."
"The store mailed out a circular advertising its weekend sale."
How to use circular
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRound in shape, or (of an argument) going in a logical loop that proves nothing, or a mass-mailed flyer.
Common mistake
A "circular argument" is a criticism — it means the reasoning is flawed, not just that it relates to circles.
Common pairings
circular argument
circular shape
circular logic
advertising circular
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- circulars
- Past tense
- circulared
- Comparative
- more circular
- Superlative
- most circular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Children sat in a _____ formation on the classroom carpet.
Etymology
From Old French circulier, from Late Latin circularis, from Latin circulus ("small circle").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for circular
See all rhymes for circular →Frequently asked questions
What does “circular” mean?
The word “circular” means shaped like or relating to a circle. In plain terms, round in shape, or (of an argument) going in a logical loop that proves nothing, or a mass-mailed flyer.
How do you pronounce “circular”?
“Circular” is pronounced SUR-kyuh-luh (/ˈsɝ.kjə.lɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “circular” in a sentence?
Here is “circular” used in a sentence: “The table had a circular top.”
What is another word for “circular”?
Words with a similar meaning to “circular” include annular, cyclic, discoid, round and rounded.
What is the opposite of “circular”?
The opposite of “circular” — its antonyms — are sharp, square and thin.
What part of speech is “circular”?
Depending on how it is used, “circular” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “circular” come from?
The word “circular” comes from Late Latin. From Old French circulier, from Late Latin circularis, from Latin circulus ("small circle").
Is “circular” a common word?
“Circular” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is a circular argument?
A circular argument is one that assumes what it is trying to prove, so the conclusion is already contained in the premises. Because the reasoning loops back on itself, it never actually establishes anything new and fails to provide genuine support for its claim.
What is the difference between 'circular' and 'round'?
Both can describe a shape, but 'round' is broader and can mean spherical or generally curved, while 'circular' specifically means shaped like or relating to a circle. In figurative use, 'circular' also describes reasoning that loops back on itself, a meaning 'round' does not carry.
What is a circular in advertising or business?
In this sense, a circular is a printed notice or advertisement sent to a large number of people. Retailers often use circulars to announce sales, promotions, or new products to many customers at once.
Is calling an argument 'circular' a compliment?
No. Describing an argument as 'circular' is a criticism, because it means the argument assumes what it is trying to prove and therefore never reaches a real conclusion. It signals a logical flaw rather than a strength.
