sphere
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a solid object that is perfectly round, like a ball.
n.a three-dimensional object or surface where all points are equidistant from a central point.
Simple“The artist placed a large marble sphere in the center of the garden.”
In context“The physicist calculated the volume of the sphere to determine how much liquid the container could hold under pressure.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.a particular area of interest, work, or influence.
n.a metaphorical domain or field of activity, interest, or social standing.
Simple“The two countries agreed to respect each other's sphere of influence.”
In context“In the political sphere, the senator was known for her ability to build consensus among opposing factions.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'sphere of influence' or 'public/private sphere'.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.the sky or space, imagined as a giant globe surrounding the Earth.
n.the celestial shell or heavens, historically conceived as a series of concentric globes carrying the planets.
Simple“Ancient astronomers believed the stars were fixed to a crystal sphere.”
In context“The poet wrote of the music of the spheres, imagining the harmonious sounds created by the movement of the planets.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is largely restricted to historical or literary contexts discussing pre-modern science.
Synonymsfirmamentheavens - 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to make something into the shape of a ball.
v.to form into a round shape or to place within a spherical environment.
Simple“The water droplets began to sphere as they fell through the air.”
In context“The sculptor worked the clay until he managed to sphere the mass into a perfectly balanced form.”
UsageThis verb use is rare in modern English; 'shape into a sphere' is more common.
“One company, VivoSphere, is growing heart cells in tiny gel spheres for heart safety tests.”
“The goal of Japan’s Islam policy, or “Kaikyō Seisaku,” was to build Japan’s sphere of influence across Asia.”
From Middle English spere, from Old French sphere, from Late Latin sphēra, earlier Latin sphaera (“ball, globe, celestial sphere”), from Ancient Greek σφαῖρα (sphaîra, “ball, globe”), of unknown origin. Not related to superficially similar Persian سپهر (sepehr, “sky”) .
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.