Circle vs. Encircle — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 17, 2024
A circle is a simple closed shape in Euclidean geometry, consisting of points equidistant from a center point, whereas to encircle means to form a circle around something or to surround it.
Difference Between Circle and Encircle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A circle is a fundamental concept in geometry and mathematics, defined as a set of points in a plane that are all the same distance from a given point, known as the center. This definition focuses on the geometric shape itself, highlighting its symmetry and simplicity. On the other hand, encircle refers to the action or process of surrounding something in a circular manner. It implies movement or the arrangement of objects or figures to form a circle around a central point or object, emphasizing the act of surrounding or encompassing.
While a circle is purely a geometric shape with well-defined properties such as radius, diameter, and circumference, encircle is a verb that describes the action of surrounding something. This distinction points to the static nature of a circle as a concept, compared to the dynamic process implied by encircling. Encircle can be applied in various contexts, including strategic movements in military tactics or the arrangement of objects or people.
The concept of a circle is used extensively in mathematics, art, and science to describe shapes, objects, and patterns with perfect roundness. Its significance lies in its perfect symmetry and the mathematical relationships it embodies, such as π (pi), the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. Encircle, however, is used more broadly in everyday language and literature, often metaphorically, to describe actions and situations where something or someone is completely surrounded, either physically or figuratively.
Circles play a crucial role in understanding the principles of geometry and are the basis for studying more complex shapes and figures. They are also essential in the design and analysis of circular objects and structures. Encircle, conversely, finds its application in tactical, social, and artistic contexts, where the emphasis is on the act of surrounding or being surrounded, offering a more dynamic and contextual understanding.
In terms of visual representation, a circle is often depicted as a simple, closed curve with no beginning or end, symbolizing unity, wholeness, and infinity. Encircling can be visualized as the process or result of drawing a circle around an object or grouping things in a circular formation, which can convey protection, inclusion, or containment, depending on the context.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A plane figure with all points equidistant from a center point.
The action of surrounding something in the shape of a circle.
Nature
Geometric shape.
Verb (action).
Context of Use
Mathematics, art, science.
Tactical, social, artistic contexts.
Symbolism
Unity, wholeness, infinity.
Protection, inclusion, containment.
Key Properties
Radius, diameter, circumference.
Process of surrounding, manner of arrangement.
Compare with Definitions
Circle
A round shape that has no corners or edges.
The children drew a large circle in the sandbox.
Encircle
To envelop or enclose within a circular boundary.
The ribbon was used to encircle the gift box.
Circle
A circular object or arrangement.
They sat in a circle around the campfire.
Encircle
To surround or form a circle around something.
The fence encircles the entire property.
Circle
In mathematics, a set of all points in a plane at a certain distance from a center point.
The equation x² + y² = r² represents a circle with radius r.
Encircle
To move around something in a circular course.
The planets encircle the sun.
Circle
A group of people with a shared profession, interests, or acquaintances.
She moved in influential social circles.
Encircle
To form or draw a circle around; to delineate a circular boundary.
The artist encircled the scene with a thick border.
Circle
A movement following the shape of a circle.
The ice skater executed a perfect circle on the ice.
Encircle
To encompass or include comprehensively.
The study encircles various aspects of human behavior.
Circle
A circle is a shape consisting of all points in a plane that are at a given distance from a given point, the centre; equivalently it is the curve traced out by a point that moves in a plane so that its distance from a given point is constant. The distance between any point of the circle and the centre is called the radius.
Encircle
To form a circle around; surround
A belt encircled his waist.
Circle
A round plane figure whose boundary (the circumference) consists of points equidistant from a fixed point (the centre)
Draw a circle with a compass
Encircle
To move or go around completely; make a circuit of
The moon encircles the earth.
Circle
A group of people with a shared profession, interests, or acquaintances
She did not normally move in such exalted circles
Encircle
(transitive) To surround, form a circle around.
Circle
Move all the way around (someone or something), especially more than once
They were circling Athens airport
We circled round the island
Encircle
To move or go around completely.
Circle
A plane curve everywhere equidistant from a given fixed point, the center.
Encircle
To form a circle about; to inclose within a circle or ring; to surround; as, to encircle one in the arms; the army encircled the city.
Her brows encircled with his serpent rod.
Circle
A planar region bounded by a circle.
Encircle
Be around;
Developments surround the town
The river encircles the village
Circle
Something, such as a ring, shaped like such a plane curve.
Encircle
Form a circle around;
Encircle the errors
Circle
A circular or nearly circular course, circuit, or orbit:a satellite's circle around the earth.
Encircle
Bind with something round or circular
Circle
A traffic circle.
Circle
A series or process that finishes at its starting point or continuously repeats itself; a cycle.
Circle
A group of people sharing an interest, activity, or achievement:well-known in artistic circles.
Circle
A territorial or administrative division, especially of a province, in some European countries.
Circle
A sphere of influence or interest; domain.
Circle
(Logic)A vicious circle.
Circle
To make or form a circle around:The hedge circles the fountain.
Circle
To move in a circle around:The ship circled the island.
Circle
To move in a circle.
Circle
(geometry) A two-dimensional geometric figure, a line, consisting of the set of all those points in a plane that are equally distant from a given point (center).
The set of all points (x, y) such that {{(x
R2}} is a circle of radius r around the point (1, 0).
Circle
A two-dimensional geometric figure, a disk, consisting of the set of all those points of a plane at a distance less than or equal to a fixed distance (radius) from a given point.
Circle
Any shape, curve or arrangement of objects that approximates to or resembles the geometric figures.
Children, please join hands and form a circle.
Circle
Any thin three-dimensional equivalent of the geometric figures.
Cut a circle out of that sheet of metal.
Circle
A curve that more or less forms part or all of a circle.
The crank moves in a circle.
Circle
A specific group of persons; especially one who shares a common interest.
Inner circle
Circle of friends
Literary circle
Circle
The orbit of an astronomical body.
Circle
(cricket) A line comprising two semicircles of 30 yards radius centred on the wickets joined by straight lines parallel to the pitch used to enforce field restrictions in a one-day match.
Circle
(Wicca) A ritual circle that is cast three times deosil and closes three times widdershins either in the air with a wand or literally with stones or other items used for worship.
Circle
A traffic circle or roundabout.
Circle
(obsolete) Compass; circuit; enclosure.
Circle
A series ending where it begins, and repeating itself.
Circle
(logic) A form of argument in which two or more unproved statements are used to prove each other; inconclusive reasoning.
Circle
Indirect form of words; circumlocution.
Circle
A territorial division or district.
The ten Circles of the Holy Roman Empire were those principalities or provinces which had seats in the German Diet.
Circle
(in the plural) A bagginess of the skin below the eyes from lack of sleep.
After working all night, she had circles under her eyes.
Circle
(transitive) To travel around along a curved path.
The wolves circled the herd of deer.
Circle
(transitive) To surround.
A high fence circles the enclosure.
Circle
(transitive) To place or mark a circle around.
Circle the jobs that you are interested in applying for.
Circle
(intransitive) To travel in circles.
Vultures circled overhead.
Circle
A plane figure, bounded by a single curve line called its circumference, every part of which is equally distant from a point within it, called the center.
Circle
The line that bounds such a figure; a circumference; a ring.
Circle
An instrument of observation, the graduated limb of which consists of an entire circle.
Circle
A round body; a sphere; an orb.
It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth.
Circle
Compass; circuit; inclosure.
In the circle of this forest.
Circle
A company assembled, or conceived to assemble, about a central point of interest, or bound by a common tie; a class or division of society; a coterie; a set.
As his name gradually became known, the circle of his acquaintance widened.
Circle
A circular group of persons; a ring.
Circle
A series ending where it begins, and repeating itself.
Thus in a circle runs the peasant's pain.
Circle
A form of argument in which two or more unproved statements are used to prove each other; inconclusive reasoning.
That heavy bodies descend by gravity; and, again, that gravity is a quality whereby a heavy body descends, is an impertinent circle and teaches nothing.
Circle
Indirect form of words; circumlocution.
Has he given the lie,In circle, or oblique, or semicircle.
Circle
A territorial division or district.
Circle
To move around; to revolve around.
Other planets circle other suns.
Circle
To encompass, as by a circle; to surround; to inclose; to encircle.
Their heads are circled with a short turban.
So he lies, circled with evil.
Circle
To move circularly; to form a circle; to circulate.
Thy name shall circle round the gaping through.
Circle
Ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point;
He calculated the circumference of the circle
Circle
An unofficial association of people or groups;
The smart set goes there
They were an angry lot
Circle
Something approximating the shape of a circle;
The chairs were arranged in a circle
Circle
Movement once around a course;
He drove an extra lap just for insurance
Circle
A road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island;
The accident blocked all traffic at the rotary
Circle
Street names for flunitrazepan
Circle
A curved section or tier of seats in a hall or theater or opera house; usually the first tier above the orchestra;
They had excellent seats in the dress circle
Circle
Any circular or rotating mechanism;
The machine punched out metal circles
Circle
Travel around something;
Circle the globe
Circle
Move in circles
Circle
Be around;
Developments surround the town
The river encircles the village
Circle
Form a circle around;
Encircle the errors
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between a circle and a sphere?
A circle is a 2D shape with all points at the same distance from the center, while a sphere is a 3D object with all points on the surface equidistant from the center.
Can the term "circle" refer to a group of people?
Yes, "circle" can refer to a group of people with shared interests or connections.
What is a circle?
A circle is a round shape where all points are equidistant from the center.
What does it mean to encircle something?
To encircle something means to surround it or form a circle around it.
Can encircle have a metaphorical meaning?
Yes, to encircle can also mean to encompass or include in a non-physical sense.
Is encircling always a physical action?
Not necessarily; encircling can also be figurative, such as in strategic or conceptual contexts.
What are some common uses of the action to encircle?
Encircling is used in military tactics, protective strategies, and symbolic gestures.
How is the concept of a circle used in mathematics?
In mathematics, a circle is studied for its properties, equations, and as a basis for further geometrical concepts.
What is the circumference of a circle?
The circumference is the perimeter or the distance around the circle.
What role does encircling play in social contexts?
In social contexts, encircling can symbolize unity, inclusion, or collective focus.
Do circles have edges or corners?
No, circles are defined by their lack of edges and corners.
How do you calculate the area of a circle?
The area of a circle is calculated using the formula πr², where r is the radius.
What distinguishes a circle from other geometric shapes?
Its defining property is that all points along its boundary are equidistant from a single center point.
Can encircle imply protection?
Yes, encircling something can imply protection or defense by surrounding it.
Is the center of a circle always inside it?
Yes, by definition, the center of a circle is always within the shape.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
