adj
circular
SUR-kyuh-luh
adj
1
Shaped like or relating to a circle.
"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.
"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.
"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
Word Forms
more circular comparative, circulared past tense, circulars singular, most circular superlative
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The table had a _____ top.
Etymology
From Old French circulier, from Late Latin circularis, from Latin circulus ("small circle").