Difference Wiki

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

Definition

Elongated, curved shape.
Perfectly round shape.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023

Symmetry

Typically has two lines of symmetry.
Has infinite lines of symmetry.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023

Diameter

Varies depending on where it's measured.
Constant throughout.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023

Mathematical Basis

Loosely defined.
Strictly defined by its radius.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023

Common Association

Resembles an egg.
All points equidistant from the center.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
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

Oval

An elliptical form or figure.
The track was oval in design.
Sawaira Riaz
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

Circle

A planar region bounded by a circle.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Oval

Curved shape without sharp edges or corners.
The oval table was perfect for the dining room.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023

Circle

Something, such as a ring, shaped like such a plane curve.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 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

Oval

Resembling an egg in shape.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Circle

A traffic circle.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Oval

Resembling an ellipse in shape; elliptical.
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

Oval

An egg-shaped or elliptical form or figure.
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

Oval

An elliptical track, as for racing or athletic events.
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

Circle

A sphere of influence or interest; domain.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Oval

A thing having such a shape, such as an arena.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Circle

(Logic)A vicious circle.
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

To make or form a circle around:The hedge circles the fountain.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Oval

(AU) A sports field, typically but not exclusively oval in shape.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Circle

To move in a circle around:The ship circled the island.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Oval

Having the shape of an oval.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Circle

To move in a circle.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Oval

Of or pertaining to an ovum.
Oval conceptions
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

Oval

Broadly elliptical.
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

Oval

A body or figure in the shape of an egg, or popularly, of an ellipse.
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

Oval

Rounded like an egg
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Circle

The orbit of an astronomical body.
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

A traffic circle or roundabout.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Circle

(obsolete) Compass; circuit; enclosure.
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

A series ending where it begins, and repeating itself.
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

Indirect form of words; circumlocution.
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 surround.
A high fence circles the enclosure.
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

(intransitive) To travel in circles.
Vultures circled overhead.
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

The line that bounds such a figure; a circumference; a ring.
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

Compass; circuit; inclosure.
In the circle of this forest.
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 circular group of persons; a ring.
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

A territorial division or district.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Circle

To move around; to revolve around.
Other planets circle other suns.
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

Street names for flunitrazepan
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

Travel around something;
Circle the globe
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Circle

Move in circles
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Circle

Be around;
Developments surround the town
The river encircles the village
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023

Circle

Form a circle around;
Encircle the errors
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 all ovals elliptical?

Yes, all ovals are elliptical in nature.
Harlon Moss
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 Riaz
Sawaira 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 Saeed
Huma 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.

Trending Comparisons

Popular Comparisons

New Comparisons