circularly
Học thuậtThân thiện
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.)