ENGLISH
REFERENCE

square

n. · adj. · v. · adv.
US //ˈskwɛɹ// UK //skwˈeə// square
  1. 1 the shape (n.)
    A1 Beginner Math

    a shape with four straight sides of the same length and four 90-degree angles.

    a regular quadrilateral with four equal sides and four right angles.

    Example

    The children learned how to draw a square and a circle in art class.

    Example

    The architect used a series of interlocking squares to create a modern geometric pattern on the building's facade.
    • quadrilateral
  2. 2 town area (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    an open area in a town or city, usually with buildings around it.

    an open public space in a built-up area, typically surrounded by buildings and serving as a community focal point.

    Example

    We met our friends in the main square to watch the street performers.

    Example

    The town square serves as the primary venue for the weekly market and various seasonal festivals throughout the year.
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  1. 3 math power (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Math

    the result of multiplying a number by itself.

    the product of a number or quantity multiplied by itself; the second power.

    Example

    The square of three is nine because three times three equals nine.

    Example

    To calculate the area of the floor, you must find the square of the length of one side.
    • second power
    • square root
  2. 4 boring person (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a person who is very old-fashioned or boring and does not like new trends.

    a person regarded as socially conventional, conservative, or out of touch with contemporary trends.

    Example

    My brother is such a square; he refuses to listen to any music made after 1980.

    Example

    In the counterculture of the 1960s, anyone who held a corporate job and wore a suit was dismissed as a square.
  3. 5 shape/angle (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    having the shape of a square or forming a right angle.

    having four equal sides and right angles, or positioned at a ninety-degree angle to a base.

    Example

    The table has a square top that fits perfectly in the corner of the room.

    Example

    Ensure the frame is perfectly square before you tighten the screws, or the door will not close properly.
  4. 6 honest (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    honest, fair, and direct.

    characterised by honesty and fairness; straightforward in dealings.

    Example

    I promise to give you a square deal if you buy the car from me.

    Example

    The negotiator was known for his square approach, refusing to use deceptive tactics to gain an advantage.
  5. 7 even/tied (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    having no money owed or having the same score in a game.

    being even or balanced, particularly regarding debts or competitive scores.

    Example

    If I pay for lunch today, we will be square.

    Example

    After three hours of intense play, the match was square, forcing the players into a sudden-death tiebreaker.
  6. 8 to multiply (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Math

    to multiply a number by itself.

    to multiply a quantity by itself to find its second power.

    Example

    If you square five, you get twenty-five.

    Example

    The formula requires you to square the velocity before multiplying it by the mass of the object.

  7. 9 to reconcile (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to find a way to make two different ideas or facts agree with each other.

    to reconcile or bring two seemingly different statements or ideas into agreement.

    Example

    It is difficult to square his expensive lifestyle with his low salary.

    Example

    The CEO struggled to square the company's public commitment to the environment with its recent increase in carbon emissions.
  8. 10 directly (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    directly or straight.

    in a direct or straightforward manner; directly in the face or centre of something.

    Example

    The ball hit him square in the chest.

    Example

    The sunlight shone square into her eyes, making it impossible for her to read the sign across the street.
Origin

From Middle English square, sqware, squyre; from Old French esquarre, esquerre, (modern French équerre), from Vulgar Latin *exquadra, from Latin ex- + quadro, from quadrus (compare English quad and quadra). Doublet of squad and squadra. Displaced Old English fēowerecge (fēower nominative + ecg accusative, as in "four-edged").

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