Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Having the shape of a circle; round: Describes an object or form that is round, like a circle.
   • Moving in or forming a circle: Describes motion or a path that goes around in a loop, returning to its starting point.
   • Relating to a circle: Pertaining to the geometric properties or concepts of a circle.

2. Noun:

   • A printed advertisement, notice, or letter distributed to a large number of people: A document, often a leaflet or flyer, intended for mass circulation, typically to announce something or promote a business.

Examples

• Adjective:

  • The table had a circular top. (The table's surface was round.)
  • The planets follow a circular orbit around the sun. (The planets move in a round path.)
  • We took a circular route through the park. (We took a path that looped around.)

• Noun:

  • The company sent out a circular about the new policy. (The company distributed a mass notice.)
  • I found the circular advertising the sale in my mailbox. (I found the promotional flyer.)

Advanced Usage

• Circular reasoning/argument: A logical fallacy where the conclusion of an argument is assumed in its premise; an argument that goes in a circle without providing external proof.
  • His essay was rejected because it was based on circular reasoning.
• Circular reference: In computing or formal systems, a situation where two or more items refer to each other, creating a loop.
  • The spreadsheet formula contained a circular reference, causing an error.

Variants and Related Words

• Circularity (n): The quality of being circular.
  • The circularity of the argument was evident.
• Circularize (v): To distribute circulars to; to make circular.
  • They plan to circularize the neighborhood with the announcement.
• Circular saw (n): A power saw with a round, rotating blade.
  • He used a circular saw to cut the wood.

Synonyms

• Adjective (shape): Round, ring-shaped, disc-shaped.
• Adjective (motion): Rotating, revolving, orbital.
• Noun: Flyer, leaflet, handout, bulletin.

Related Phrases

• Come/go full circle: To return to the original position or state after a series of events.
  • After years of travel, his career has come full circle and he's back at his first job.
• Vicious circle: A situation in which one problem leads to another, which then makes the first problem worse.
  • Debt and stress can create a vicious circle.

Idioms

• A circular firing squad: A situation where a group in conflict attacks itself, causing mutual damage.
  • The political party was engaged in a circular firing squad instead of uniting against their opponents.

Adjective

1. describing a circle; moving in a circle
   • the circular motion of the wheel
2. having a circular shape

Noun

1. an advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution
   • he mailed the circular to all subscribers