# angle

/ˈæŋɡəɫ/ (US) · /ˈæŋɡəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/angle
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. geometry

noun · CEFR A2

the space between two lines or surfaces that meet at a point.

For teachers: the figure formed by two rays sharing a common endpoint, or the measure of the space between them.

- The two walls meet at a ninety-degree angle in the corner of the room.
- The architect calculated the precise angle of the roof to ensure maximum solar exposure during the winter months.

### 2. viewpoint

noun · CEFR B1

a particular way of looking at or thinking about a situation.

For teachers: a specific perspective or way of considering a matter; often used to describe the focus of a news report.

- We need to look at this problem from a different angle to find a solution.
- The journalist struggled to find a fresh angle for the story, as the scandal had already been covered extensively by every major outlet.

### 3. hidden motive

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

a secret plan or a way to get an advantage from a situation.

For teachers: an ulterior motive or a scheme designed to benefit the person involved, often in a slightly dishonest way.

- He's being very helpful, but I wonder what his angle is.
- The investigators suspected that the consultant had a hidden angle, potentially profiting from the very contracts he was supposed to be auditing.

### 4. to tilt or turn

verb · CEFR B1

to place or move something so it is not straight.

For teachers: to position or direct something at a particular slant or inclination.

- Angle the mirror toward the window so it reflects more light.
- The photographer angled the camera slightly upward to make the skyscraper appear even more imposing against the sky.

### 5. to try to get something

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to try to get something you want without asking for it directly.

For teachers: to use hints or indirect methods to obtain a desired object, information, or position.

- She was clearly angling for a promotion during her meeting with the boss.
- By mentioning his recent successes so frequently, it became obvious he was angling for an invitation to the executive retreat.

Usage: usually followed by the preposition 'for'

### 6. to fish

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

to try to catch fish using a hook and a line.

For teachers: to fish with a hook and line, as opposed to using nets.

- He spent the quiet afternoon angling for trout in the stream.
- The local club maintains strict regulations for those angling in the reservoir to preserve the delicate balance of the aquatic ecosystem.

## Examples

- The carpenter measured the angle of the roof.
- The journalist tried to find a fresh angle for the story to make it more interesting to readers.
- By adjusting the camera angle, the director managed to make the small room appear vast and imposing on screen.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.