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circle

n. · v.
US //ˈsɝkəɫ// UK //sˈɜːkəl// cir·cle
  1. 1 round shape (n.)
    A2 Elementary Math

    a perfectly round shape like a ring or a wheel.

    a two-dimensional geometric figure consisting of all points in a plane equidistant from a central point.

    Example

    The children sat in a circle on the floor to listen to the story.

    Example

    The architect used a perfect circle as the central motif for the building's courtyard, symbolising unity and continuity.
  2. 2 group of people (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a group of people who know each other or share the same interests.

    a specific social or professional group characterized by shared interests, status, or acquaintance.

    Example

    She has a small circle of friends that she has known since primary school.

    Example

    Within academic circles, the professor's latest theory on linguistic evolution has sparked significant debate and several follow-up studies.
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  1. 3 under the eyes (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    dark or puffy skin under your eyes, often because you are tired.

    darkened or swollen areas of skin beneath the eyes, typically resulting from fatigue or lack of sleep.

    Example

    He had dark circles under his eyes after staying up all night to study.

    Example

    The actor used heavy makeup to hide the dark circles that had developed during the grueling three-month filming schedule.

    Usage

    usually plural
  2. 4 logical error (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Logic

    a way of arguing where you use your conclusion to prove your starting point.

    a fallacious form of argument in which the conclusion is assumed in one of the premises.

    Example

    His argument was just a circle; he said the law was good because it was the law.

    Example

    The critic pointed out that the author's justification for the protagonist's actions was a logical circle that failed to provide external evidence.
    • circular reasoning
  3. 5 to move around (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to move in a path that goes around something.

    to move or travel along a curved path that surrounds a central object or area.

    Example

    The birds started to circle high above the trees looking for food.

    Example

    The satellite will circle the planet every ninety minutes, transmitting high-resolution data back to the ground station.
  4. 6 to draw a ring around (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to draw a round line around something on paper.

    to encompass or mark a specific item by drawing a circular line around it.

    Example

    Please circle the correct answer on your exam paper.

    Example

    The editor used a red pen to circle several recurring grammatical errors in the final draft of the manuscript.
Origin

From Middle English circle, cercle, from Old French cercle and Latin circulus, diminutive of Latin circus (“circle, circus”), from Ancient Greek κίρκος (kírkos, “circle, ring”), related to Old English hring (“ring”). Compare also Old English ċircul (“circle, zodiac”), which came from the same Latin source.

Idioms8 entries

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