Oval vs. Circle — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 21, 2023
An "oval" is an elongated, closed curve resembling an egg, while a "circle" is a perfectly round shape with all points equidistant from its center.
Difference Between Oval and Circle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Oval" and "circle" are both terms that describe closed curves, but they possess distinct characteristics. An oval is often thought of as an elongated circle, resembling the shape of an egg or an ellipse. It doesn't have a fixed center point from which every edge is equidistant. On the other hand, a circle is a shape where all points on its perimeter are equidistant from a singular center point.
The concept of an "oval" has been used in various contexts, from shapes of racetracks to designs of tables. While it's not perfectly round, an oval can be symmetrical along its major or minor axis. A "circle", with its equidistant points and central symmetry, is a fundamental concept in geometry and has been since ancient times.
In terms of their mathematical descriptions, an "oval" can be more complex to define because it doesn't have a constant radius. Conversely, a "circle" is straightforward, defined by its radius and the central point. The formula for the area of a circle is π times the radius squared.
Both "oval" and "circle" shapes are prevalent in everyday life and design due to their pleasing aesthetics. While circles might represent completeness, unity, or infinity, ovals might be chosen for their softer, more organic feel, especially in design contexts.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Elongated, closed curve without a consistent radius.
Perfectly round shape with a consistent radius.
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Symmetry
Can be symmetrical along major or minor axis.
Symmetrical about its center.
Mathematical Formula
Varies depending on the specific type of oval.
Area = πr^2, Circumference = 2πr.
Examples in Nature
Egg shapes, some planetary orbits.
Full moons, bubbles.
Cultural/Artistic Use
Ovals are often seen in portraits, racetracks, and jewelry.
Circles symbolize unity, infinity, and completeness.
Compare with Definitions
Oval
A closed curve without a fixed radius.
The racetrack was oval, making the races exhilarating.
Circle
Represents wholeness or completeness.
The circle of friends gathered for the reunion.
Oval
Can be an ellipse in geometric terms.
The garden had an oval pathway circling a fountain.
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.
Oval
An elongated, rounded shape.
The mirror had a beautiful antique oval frame.
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
Oval
Resembling the shape of an egg.
The pendant was oval, with intricate designs on it.
Circle
A group of people with a shared profession, interests, or acquaintances
She did not normally move in such exalted circles
Oval
Symmetrical along its major or minor axis.
The pool was oval, perfect for lap swimming.
Circle
Move all the way around (someone or something), especially more than once
They were circling Athens airport
We circled round the island
Oval
An oval (from Latin ovum, "egg") is a closed curve in a plane which resembles the outline of an egg. The term is not very specific, but in some areas (projective geometry, technical drawing, etc.) it is given a more precise definition, which may include either one or two axes of symmetry of an ellipse.
Circle
A plane curve everywhere equidistant from a given fixed point, the center.
Oval
Having a rounded and slightly elongated outline or shape like that of an egg
Her smooth oval face
Circle
A planar region bounded by a circle.
Oval
A body, object, or design with an oval shape or outline
Cut out two small ovals from the felt
Circle
Something, such as a ring, shaped like such a plane curve.
Oval
Resembling an egg in shape.
Circle
A circular or nearly circular course, circuit, or orbit:a satellite's circle around the earth.
Oval
Resembling an ellipse in shape; elliptical.
Circle
A traffic circle.
Oval
An egg-shaped or elliptical form or figure.
Circle
A series or process that finishes at its starting point or continuously repeats itself; a cycle.
Oval
An elliptical track, as for racing or athletic events.
Circle
A group of people sharing an interest, activity, or achievement:well-known in artistic circles.
Oval
An elongated round shape resembling an egg or ellipse. Category:en:Curves
Circle
A territorial or administrative division, especially of a province, in some European countries.
Oval
A thing having such a shape, such as an arena.
Circle
A sphere of influence or interest; domain.
Oval
(math) In a projective plane, a set of points such that no three are collinear and there is a unique tangent line at each point.
Circle
(Logic)A vicious circle.
Oval
(AU) A sports field, typically but not exclusively oval in shape.
Circle
To make or form a circle around:The hedge circles the fountain.
Oval
Having the shape of an oval.
Circle
To move in a circle around:The ship circled the island.
Oval
Of or pertaining to an ovum.
Oval conceptions
Circle
To move in a circle.
Oval
Of or pertaining to eggs; done in the egg, or inception; as, oval conceptions.
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).
Oval
Having the figure of an egg; oblong and curvilinear, with one end broader than the other, or with both ends of about the same breadth; in popular usage, elliptical.
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.
Oval
Broadly elliptical.
Circle
Any shape, curve or arrangement of objects that approximates to or resembles the geometric figures.
Children, please join hands and form a circle.
Oval
A body or figure in the shape of an egg, or popularly, of an ellipse.
Circle
Any thin three-dimensional equivalent of the geometric figures.
Cut a circle out of that sheet of metal.
Oval
A closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it;
The sums of the distances from the foci to any point on an ellipse is constant
Circle
A curve that more or less forms part or all of a circle.
The crank moves in a circle.
Oval
Rounded like an egg
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
Circle
A round shape where all points on the edge are equidistant from the center.
She drew a perfect circle with her compass.
Circle
A fundamental concept in geometry.
The math problem involved finding the diameter of the circle.
Circle
A closed curve with a consistent radius.
The children formed a circle and began to sing.
Circle
Often symbolizes unity or infinity.
The wedding ring, a circle, symbolized their eternal love.
Common Curiosities
Why are racetracks often oval?
Oval tracks provide a balance of straight paths for speed and curves for skill in racing.
Are all ovals ellipses?
All ellipses are ovals, but not all ovals are ellipses due to variations in geometric definitions.
Is an oval just a stretched circle?
Not exactly. While both are closed curves, an oval doesn't have a constant radius like a circle.
Can a circle's diameter change but remain a circle?
Yes, changing the diameter alters the size but not the shape of the circle.
How can I distinguish between an oval and a circle in a drawing?
Check the consistency of the radius; circles have a consistent radius, while ovals don't.
Why are most coins circular and not oval?
Circular coins are easier to manufacture consistently, and their symmetry ensures even wear.
Is the Earth a perfect circle?
No, Earth is an oblate spheroid, meaning it's slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator, resembling an oval.
Can an oval have corners?
No, ovals are curved shapes without corners.
What does a "full circle moment" mean?
It means returning to the beginning of a situation or event, symbolizing completeness.
Do circles always have a center point?
Yes, all points on a circle's edge are equidistant from its center.
Which shape is easier to draw freehand?
Subjective, but many find drawing a perfect circle freehand more challenging than an oval.
How do I calculate the area of an oval?
For an ellipse, the formula is π times the semi-major axis times the semi-minor axis.
Do ovals have any symbolic meaning?
Ovals can symbolize rebirth and renewal, given their egg-like shape.
Are circles used in logos?
Yes, circles are common in logos as they symbolize unity and wholeness.
Are there any famous artworks centered on ovals or circles?
Yes, many artists have utilized these shapes; for instance, da Vinci's "Vitruvian Man" beautifully incorporates a circle.
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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.
