Oval vs. Circle: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
An "Oval" is an elongated, curved shape resembling an egg, while a "Circle" is a perfectly round shape with all points equidistant from the center.
Key Differences
An "Oval", often seen in its resemblance to an egg, has no fixed definition in mathematics, which sets it apart from the precise definition of a "Circle". A circle is strictly defined by its radius.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
When observing an "Oval", you'll notice it doesn't maintain a consistent width throughout. In contrast, a "Circle" maintains the same diameter, regardless of where it's measured.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
In art or everyday contexts, people might loosely refer to an "Oval" shape when it appears slightly stretched or elliptical. On the other hand, the term "Circle" is used when referencing a perfectly round shape, free from any sort of elongation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
The terms "Oval" and "Circle" also differ in their symmetry. While a circle has infinite lines of symmetry, an oval typically has two: one horizontal and one vertical.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
From a geometric standpoint, every "Circle" is an ellipse, but not every "Oval" can be classified as a circle. This distinction roots back to the stricter definition circles hold in mathematical contexts.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
ADVERTISEMENT
Oval and Circle Definitions
Oval
An elongated, rounded shape with no fixed mathematical definition.
The mirror had an elegant oval shape.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Circle
A round plane figure with all points equidistant from the center.
She drew a perfect circle on the board.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Circle
A plane curve everywhere equidistant from a given fixed point, the center.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Oval
A shape resembling the form of an egg.
The artist painted an oval to represent the egg.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Oval
Curved shape without sharp edges or corners.
The oval table was perfect for the dining room.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Oval
A shape with typically two lines of symmetry.
He noticed that her face had a soft oval shape.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Circle
A circular or nearly circular course, circuit, or orbit:a satellite's circle around the earth.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
A series or process that finishes at its starting point or continuously repeats itself; a cycle.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
A group of people sharing an interest, activity, or achievement:well-known in artistic circles.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
A territorial or administrative division, especially of a province, in some European countries.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Oval
An elongated round shape resembling an egg or ellipse. Category:en:Curves
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 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
Jan 04, 2023
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).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Oval
Of or pertaining to eggs; done in the egg, or inception; as, oval conceptions.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 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
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
Any shape, curve or arrangement of objects that approximates to or resembles the geometric figures.
Children, please join hands and form a circle.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
Any thin three-dimensional equivalent of the geometric figures.
Cut a circle out of that sheet of metal.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
A curve that more or less forms part or all of a circle.
The crank moves in a circle.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 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
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
A specific group of persons; especially one who shares a common interest.
Inner circle
Circle of friends
Literary circle
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
(astronomy) An instrument of observation, whose graduated limb consists of an entire circle. When fixed to a wall in an observatory, it is called a mural circle; when mounted with a telescope on an axis and in Y's, in the plane of the meridian, a meridian or transit circle; when involving the principle of reflection, like the sextant, a reflecting circle; and when that of repeating an angle several times continuously along the graduated limb, a repeating circle.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
(logic) A form of argument in which two or more unproved statements are used to prove each other; inconclusive reasoning.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
(transitive) To travel around along a curved path.
The wolves circled the herd of deer.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
(transitive) To place or mark a circle around.
Circle the jobs that you are interested in applying for.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
An instrument of observation, the graduated limb of which consists of an entire circle.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
A round body; a sphere; an orb.
It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
A series ending where it begins, and repeating itself.
Thus in a circle runs the peasant's pain.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
Indirect form of words; circumlocution.
Has he given the lie,In circle, or oblique, or semicircle.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
To move circularly; to form a circle; to circulate.
Thy name shall circle round the gaping through.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
An unofficial association of people or groups;
The smart set goes there
They were an angry lot
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
Something approximating the shape of a circle;
The chairs were arranged in a circle
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
Movement once around a course;
He drove an extra lap just for insurance
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
A road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island;
The accident blocked all traffic at the rotary
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
Any circular or rotating mechanism;
The machine punched out metal circles
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
Be around;
Developments surround the town
The river encircles the village
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Circle
A loop or ring formed by a curved line.
The necklace was made up of tiny silver circles.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Circle
A group of people with shared professions, interests, or acquaintances.
He was well-known in academic circles.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Circle
To move around an object or place, especially more than once.
The bird circled above us, then landed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Circle
Representing infinity due to its endless loop.
The circle of life continues indefinitely.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
FAQs
Can an "Oval" be a "Circle"?
No, while every circle is an ellipse, not every oval is a circle.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Is there a fixed mathematical definition for "Oval"?
No, unlike "Circle", which is strictly defined, "Oval" has no fixed mathematical definition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can "Circle" refer to a group of people?
Yes, "Circle" can mean a group of people with shared interests.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Are there variations within "Oval" shapes?
Yes, ovals can vary in elongation and overall proportions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
How many lines of symmetry does a "Circle" have?
A "Circle" has infinite lines of symmetry.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Why might someone choose an "Oval" shape for a design?
"Ovals" might be chosen for aesthetic reasons or to fit specific spaces.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Is a racetrack typically an "Oval"?
Yes, many racetracks have an oval design.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can "Circle" be a verb?
Yes, "Circle" can mean to move around an object or place.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Is a "Circle" always two-dimensional?
In common usage, yes. However, a three-dimensional analog is called a "sphere".
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 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
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
