angle
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.the space between two lines or surfaces that meet at a point.
n.the figure formed by two rays sharing a common endpoint, or the measure of the space between them.
Simple“The two walls meet at a ninety-degree angle in the corner of the room.”
In context“The architect calculated the precise angle of the roof to ensure maximum solar exposure during the winter months.”
Synonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a particular way of looking at or thinking about a situation.
n.a specific perspective or way of considering a matter; often used to describe the focus of a news report.
Simple“We need to look at this problem from a different angle to find a solution.”
In context“The journalist struggled to find a fresh angle for the story, as the scandal had already been covered extensively by every major outlet.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a secret plan or a way to get an advantage from a situation.
n.an ulterior motive or a scheme designed to benefit the person involved, often in a slightly dishonest way.
Simple“He's being very helpful, but I wonder what his angle is.”
In context“The investigators suspected that the consultant had a hidden angle, potentially profiting from the very contracts he was supposed to be auditing.”
- 04 B1 Intermediate
v.to place or move something so it is not straight.
v.to position or direct something at a particular slant or inclination.
Simple“Angle the mirror toward the window so it reflects more light.”
In context“The photographer angled the camera slightly upward to make the skyscraper appear even more imposing against the sky.”
Antonyms - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to try to get something you want without asking for it directly.
v.to use hints or indirect methods to obtain a desired object, information, or position.
Simple“She was clearly angling for a promotion during her meeting with the boss.”
In context“By mentioning his recent successes so frequently, it became obvious he was angling for an invitation to the executive retreat.”
Usageusually followed by the preposition 'for'
- 06 C2 Proficiency
v.to try to catch fish using a hook and a line.
v.to fish with a hook and line, as opposed to using nets.
Simple“He spent the quiet afternoon angling for trout in the stream.”
In context“The local club maintains strict regulations for those angling in the reservoir to preserve the delicate balance of the aquatic ecosystem.”
Synonyms
Usage visual angle
“Fernández has been angling for a way out of Chelsea since March and his departure was announced in a short statement on the club’s website.”
“Even if he had fallen from the castle walls, he probably wouldn’t have landed with enough force to do all of that, and the angle would have been all wrong.”
Borrowed from Latin Anglus, in turn borrowed from a Germanic source (compare Old English Ængle/Engle (“Angle”)). Probably derived from the toponym Angle, related to Proto-Germanic *anguz "narrow, tight; tapering", either indicating the "narrow" water (i.e. the Schlei estuary), or the shape of the peninsula. Folk etymology linking the word to English angel or any antecedents is demonstrably false.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.