Oblong vs. Oval: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 4, 2023
An Oblong is a shape elongated in one direction, often a rectangle with longer sides, while an Oval is a rounded shape resembling an egg or ellipse.
Key Differences
An Oblong shape, by its very nature, is one that's extended more in one direction than the other. It doesn't necessarily have to have perfectly straight sides. Conversely, an Oval, while also extended, has smooth, curved sides and lacks the sharper angles often associated with oblong shapes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
When looking at various shapes, one might describe a longer rectangle as Oblong, emphasizing its uneven extension in one direction. On the other hand, an Oval has a continuous curved line without any straight edges, evoking thoughts of an egg or an ellipse.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
In design, an Oblong shape might be chosen to emphasize length or to fit specific content. It provides a sense of direction, either horizontal or vertical. Meanwhile, the Oval offers a sense of softness and continuity, often chosen for its aesthetic appeal and lack of hard edges.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Think of a stretched square, and you might be picturing an Oblong. This shape, with its elongated form, can often be found in architecture or designs where length is highlighted. In contrast, the Oval is reminiscent of racetracks or mirrors, a symmetrical shape with no beginning or end.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
From a geometrical perspective, an Oblong is often considered a rectangle, not a square, because of its unequal sides. An Oval, however, doesn't adhere to the strict angular constraints of rectangles or squares and is more fluid in its curvature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Elongated shape, longer in one direction.
Rounded shape, resembling an egg or ellipse.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Symmetry
Can be asymmetrical depending on context.
Typically symmetrical along its major and minor axis.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Geometry
Often considered a non-square rectangle.
Doesn't have the angular constraints of rectangles.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
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Oblong and Oval Definitions
Oblong
A shape having an extended length.
The Oblong pool allowed for more swimmers to do laps simultaneously.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Oval
A shape with a symmetrical curvature.
Her face had an Oval contour, often considered classically beautiful.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Oblong
An elongated form or figure.
The table had an Oblong shape, perfect for the narrow room.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Oval
A geometric shape without vertices or angles.
The Oval window brought a unique charm to the house.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Oblong
A rectangle that is longer in one dimension.
The Oblong book was difficult to fit on the standard shelf.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
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Oval
A closed curve in a plane.
The racetrack was Oval, allowing for high-speed races.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Oblong
A geometric shape with unequal adjacent sides.
The park featured an Oblong playground for children.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Oval
A flattened or elongated circle.
The stadium had an Oval design, ensuring every seat had a good view.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Oblong
A term used to describe objects longer than they are wide.
The artist chose an Oblong canvas for his panoramic scene.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Oblong
Deviating from a square, circular, or spherical form by being elongated in one direction.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Oblong
(Botany) Having an elongated form with approximately parallel sides
An oblong leaf.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Oval
An elongated round shape resembling an egg or ellipse. Category:en:Curves
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Oblong
(bookmaking) Having the horizontal axis of a page longer than the vertical; In landscape orientation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Oval
Of or pertaining to eggs; done in the egg, or inception; as, oval conceptions.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Oblong
A plane figure that deviates from a square or circle due to elongation
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Oblong
Of a leaf shape; having a somewhat elongated form with approximately parallel sides
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Oval
An elongated circle, often resembling an egg.
The mirror had a beautiful Oval shape that complemented the room.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Oblong
Deviating from a square or circle or sphere by being elongated in one direction
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
FAQs
Is a square considered Oblong?
No, an Oblong is elongated in one direction, unlike a square.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is an Oval's curvature always even?
Typically, an Oval has a symmetrical curvature, resembling an egg or ellipse.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Can an Oval be a perfect circle?
No, an Oval is elongated and differs from a perfect circle.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Are all rectangles Oblong?
Not all. An Oblong rectangle is one that's notably longer in one direction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is an Oblong always a rectangle?
While often rectangular, an Oblong can refer to any elongated shape.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Which shape, Oblong or Oval, is better for a dining table?
It's subjective. An Oblong table might fit better in narrow spaces, while an Oval table can soften a room's aesthetics.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can a shape be both Oval and Oblong?
While both indicate elongation, Oblong often suggests straight edges, whereas Oval always has curves.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Can an Oblong shape have curved edges?
Yes, while often associated with straight edges, Oblong can refer to elongated shapes with curves.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is an Oval always symmetrical?
Typically, an Oval is symmetrical along its major and minor axis.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Which is softer in design, Oblong or Oval?
An Oval with its continuous curved edges is considered softer than the straight-edged Oblong.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
How is an ellipse related to an Oval?
An ellipse is a type of Oval, having two axes of symmetry.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can an Oblong be horizontal or vertical?
Yes, an Oblong can be elongated either horizontally or vertically.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Are Oval shapes found in nature?
Yes, many natural objects, like eggs, are Oval in shape.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
What's another term for Oblong?
Oblong is often synonymous with "elongated" or "extended."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can Oblong refer to 3D objects?
Yes, Oblong can describe any object, 2D or 3D, that's elongated in one direction.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Are all Ovals ellipses?
While all ellipses are Ovals, not all Ovals are precisely ellipses.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Do Oval shapes have corners?
No, an Oval is a curve without corners or vertices.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is a stretched circle an Oblong?
A stretched circle is more aptly described as an Oval.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
How do you draw an Oval?
An Oval can be drawn using two focal points and maintaining a consistent distance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Are Ovals always flat?
In geometry, an Oval is a 2D shape, but it can describe the surface shape of 3D objects too.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
