Oblong vs. Rectangle — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 6, 2023
Oblong is a shape elongated in one direction. Rectangle is a 4-sided polygon with opposite sides equal and all angles 90 degrees. Both are quadrilaterals, but all rectangles can be oblongs, not all oblongs are rectangles.
Difference Between Oblong and Rectangle
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Key Differences
Oblong shapes exhibit a form extended longer in one dimension than the other, commonly seen in everyday items. In contrast, a rectangle is a specific geometric figure that features four right angles, presenting itself in numerous shapes and objects, universally recognized.
The oblong can be a rectangle if it has all angles equal to 90 degrees, aligning with mathematical properties. Meanwhile, every rectangle is, by default, an oblong since it adheres to the oblong’s primary characteristic of having one dimension longer than the other.
Speaking visually, an oblong could potentially confuse due to its generic nature and variation in dimensions. Whereas, rectangles, with their strict geometric definition, universally communicate a specific shape with particular properties, and angles immediately recognizable.
In daily language, "oblong" might reference objects not strictly geometric, potentially including rounded or organically extended forms. The term "rectangle" succinctly conveys a clear, unequivocal geometric shape, frequently utilized in mathematical and daily contexts alike.
An oblong's characteristic elongation does not dictate specific angles or parallel sides, merely emphasizing length discrepancy. The rectangle, however, adheres strictly to its defined properties, ensuring opposite sides are parallel and equal, and angles are steadfastly 90 degrees.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Elongated shape
4-sided figure with 90° angles
Angularity
Not necessarily right angles
Always has right angles
Opposite Sides
Can be unequal
Always equal
Generality
Broadly used, less mathematical
Strictly mathematical
Use in Geometry
Less common
Widely used
Compare with Definitions
Oblong
Oblongs might not have all sides equal.
The park featured an oblong pond.
Rectangle
A rectangle is a quadrilateral with all angles 90 degrees.
The paper was cut into a perfect rectangle.
Oblong
Oblongs may or may not have right angles.
His oblong artwork was compellingly asymmetrical.
Rectangle
In daily language, a rectangle often represents a common shape.
She placed the books in a rectangle on the floor.
Oblong
Oblongs can depict objects slightly stretched from a regular shape.
The gem was cut in an oblong shape.
Rectangle
Rectangles always have opposite sides that are equal.
The garden was laid out in a beautiful rectangle.
Oblong
In general terms, oblong can refer to an extended circular shape.
She baked oblong bread loaves.
Rectangle
Rectangular.
Oblong
A rectangular object or flat figure with unequal adjacent sides
An oblong of grass
Rectangle
A square is a specific type of rectangle.
Every square is a rectangle, but not vice versa.
Oblong
Having the shape of an oblong
Oblong tables
Rectangle
In Euclidean plane geometry, a rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right angles. It can also be defined as: an equiangular quadrilateral, since equiangular means that all of its angles are equal (360°/4 = 90°); or a parallelogram containing a right angle.
Oblong
Deviating from a square, circular, or spherical form by being elongated in one direction.
Rectangle
A plane figure with four straight sides and four right angles, especially one with unequal adjacent sides, in contrast to a square.
Oblong
Having the shape of or resembling a rectangle or ellipse.
Rectangle
A four-sided plane figure with four right angles.
Oblong
(Botany) Having an elongated form with approximately parallel sides
An oblong leaf.
Rectangle
(geometry) Any quadrilateral having opposing sides parallel and four right angles.
Oblong
An object or figure, such as a rectangle, with an elongated shape.
Rectangle
(nontechnical) Such a quadrilateral that is oblong (longer than it is wide): one that is not regular (equilateral), that is, any except a square.
Oblong
Having a length and width that are different; not square or circular.
Rectangle
A four-sided figure having only right angles; a right-angled parallelogram.
Oblong
Roughly rectangular or elliptical.
Rectangle
A parallelogram with four right angles
Oblong
(bookmaking) Having the horizontal axis of a page longer than the vertical; In landscape orientation.
Rectangle
Rectangles are often utilized in mathematical contexts.
The rectangle’s area is found by multiplying its length and width.
Oblong
Something with an oblong shape.
Oblong
A rectangle with length and width that are different.
Oblong
An ellipse with minor and major axes that are different.
Oblong
To extend so as to form an oblong shape.
Oblong
To give an oblong shape to.
Oblong
Having greater length than breadth, esp. when rectangular.
Oblong
A rectangular figure longer than it is broad; hence, any figure longer than it is broad.
The best figure of a garden I esteem an oblong upon a descent.
Oblong
A plane figure that deviates from a square or circle due to elongation
Oblong
Of a leaf shape; having a somewhat elongated form with approximately parallel sides
Oblong
Deviating from a square or circle or sphere by being elongated in one direction
Oblong
An oblong is any shape extended more in one direction.
The mirror was an oblong, tall and narrow.
Common Curiosities
What defines a rectangle?
A rectangle is defined as a quadrilateral with all angles being 90 degrees.
Can a rectangle be an oblong?
Yes, every rectangle is technically an oblong as it can be longer in one direction.
Is a square a rectangle or oblong?
A square is a rectangle but it is not an oblong as all its sides are equal.
Are all 4-sided shapes rectangles?
No, only 4-sided shapes with all 90-degree angles are rectangles.
Can “oblong” describe items like pills or tablets?
Yes, oblong is often used to describe items like pills that are elongated.
Is every oblong a rectangle?
No, not all oblongs are rectangles, unless they have right angles.
What is an oblong?
An oblong is a shape that is extended or longer in one direction.
Is an oblong always a geometric term?
No, oblong can be used in a general sense to describe elongated shapes.
What is the key difference between an oblong and rectangle?
Oblong refers to a shape elongated in one direction, while a rectangle is a quadrilateral with 90-degree angles.
Can oblong refer to rounded shapes?
Yes, oblong can refer to elongated shapes that may also be rounded.
Is rectangle usage limited to geometry?
Primarily yes, but it's also used in everyday language to describe objects.
Can a rectangle be a square?
Yes, if all sides are equal, a rectangle is also a square.
What’s an example of an oblong but not a rectangle?
A stretched or elongated ellipse can be oblong but is not a rectangle.
How is oblong used in mathematics?
Oblong is seldom used in math; it's primarily a term used in everyday language.
Is a rectangle always oblong?
Yes, as it will always have one pair of sides longer if it's not a square.
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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.
