Definition

Adverb: 1. In a circular manner or path: Moving or occurring in a circle or cycle; involving a return to the starting point. 2. In a way that is roundabout or indirect: Involving reasoning or argument that returns to its starting point without proving anything new, often in a logically flawed way.

Usage and Examples

• Describing physical movement or shape:

  • The fan blades rotated circularly, creating a steady breeze.
  • The dancers moved circularly around the maypole.

• Describing logical or procedural sequences:

  • The argument proceeded circularly, using its conclusion as its premise.
  • The document was sent circularly to all department heads for comment.

Advanced Usage

• In logic and rhetoric: Used to describe a circular argument (begging the question), where the reasoner begins with what they are trying to end with.
  • He reasoned circularly, so his proof was invalid.
• In computing or systems: Describing processes or data flow that loops back.
  • The linked list is referenced circularly, with the last node pointing to the first.

Variants and Related Words

• Circular (adjective): Shaped like a circle; involving a cycle or circuit.
• Circularity (noun): The state or quality of being circular.
• Circulate (verb): To move in a circle or circuit; to pass from place to place or person to person.

Synonyms

• Cyclically: In a recurring cycle.
• Round and round: Moving repeatedly in a circle (more informal).
• Indirectly: Not in a direct way (for the reasoning sense).

Antonyms

• Linearly: In a straight or sequential line.
• Directly: In a straightforward manner.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To argue in a circle / To reason circularly: To commit the logical fallacy of assuming the truth of what you are trying to prove.
  • The philosopher pointed out that the definition was circularly defined.
• To go around in circles: To discuss something without making progress or reaching a decision (idiomatic).
  • The debate went around in circles, achieving nothing. (This idiom conveys a similar sense of futility as reasoning circularly.)

Adverb

1. in a circular manner