Circular vs. Memo: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 5, 2024
Circular is a document distributed to a large group for broad information sharing. Memo is a short, specific message usually within an organization for official purposes.
Key Differences
A circular is typically a document intended for mass distribution, often to convey general information or announcements to a large audience. In contrast, a memo, short for memorandum, is a more targeted communication tool used within an organization to convey specific information or instructions to a particular group or individual.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Circulars are designed for a wide audience, possibly including the public, and aim to inform or alert about general topics. Memos, on the other hand, are internal documents within an organization, addressing specific issues, policies, or procedures relevant to the recipients.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
The content of a circular is usually general and informative, such as announcing an event or policy, and its format can vary from simple text to more elaborated designs. A memo, however, is more focused and concise, dealing with specific subjects like directives, requests, or reports, and typically follows a standard business format.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Circulars are often distributed on an as-needed basis, reaching a broad audience through various channels like email, bulletin boards, or mail. Memos are regularly used within organizations for routine communication and are usually circulated through internal channels like emails or intranet.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
The impact of a circular is informative, creating awareness or sharing knowledge. Memos often require action or acknowledgment from the recipients, leading to follow-up communications or actions within the organization.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To inform a wide audience
To communicate specific information internally
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Jan 05, 2024
Content
General information or announcements
Specific instructions, requests, or reports
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Jan 05, 2024
Distribution
Broad, via various channels
Internal, often via email or intranet
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Jan 05, 2024
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Circular and Memo Definitions
Circular
A circular is an announcement or information shared broadly.
The university issued a circular about the new library hours.
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Dec 20, 2023
Memo
A memo conveys specific information or instructions to staff.
The HR department issued a memo regarding the new dress code.
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Dec 20, 2023
Circular
A circular serves as a method to disseminate widespread news or updates.
The circular about the health guidelines was posted in all public buildings.
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Dec 20, 2023
Memo
A memo is used for concise, targeted communication in a business setting.
The CEO's memo outlined the company's goals for the next quarter.
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Dec 20, 2023
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Memo
A memo serves as a tool for internal announcement or reminders.
A memo was circulated reminding staff of the deadline for project submissions.
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Dec 20, 2023
Memo
A memo is a brief, internal communication within an organization.
The manager sent out a memo about the upcoming meeting.
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Dec 20, 2023
Memo
A memo is a short document for official internal correspondence.
Employees were informed about the policy change through a memo.
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Dec 20, 2023
Circular
Using a premise to prove a conclusion that in turn is used to prove the premise
A circular argument.
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Dec 13, 2023
Circular
Defining one word in terms of another that is itself defined in terms of the first word.
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Dec 13, 2023
Memo
(programming) A record of partial results that can be reused later without recomputation.
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Dec 13, 2023
Circular
A printed advertisement, directive, or notice intended for mass distribution.
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Dec 13, 2023
Memo
(informal) To send someone a note about something, for the record.
I made sure to memo him about the client's complaints.
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Dec 13, 2023
Circular
Referring back to itself, so as to prevent computation or comprehension; infinitely recursive.
Circular reasoning
Your dictionary defines "brave" as "courageous", and "courageous" as "brave". That's a circular definition.
A circular formula in a spreadsheet
I changed the definition of "sex" from "to have sex" to "to have sexual intercourse"; a dictionary definition must never be circular; using the word being defined to define itself.
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Dec 13, 2023
Circular
(archaic) Adhering to a fixed circle of legends; cyclic; hence, mean; inferior.
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Dec 13, 2023
Circular
Syn of flyer: a printed advertisement, directive, or notice intended for mass circulation.
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Dec 13, 2023
Circular
Repeating itself; ending in itself; reverting to the point of beginning; hence, illogical; inconclusive; as, circular reasoning.
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Dec 13, 2023
Circular
Adhering to a fixed circle of legends; cyclic; hence, mean; inferior. See Cyclic poets, under Cyclic.
Had Virgil been a circular poet, and closely adhered to history, how could the Romans have had Dido?
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Dec 13, 2023
Circular
Addressed to a circle, or to a number of persons having a common interest; circulated, or intended for circulation; as, a circular letter.
A proclamation of Henry III., . . . doubtless circular throughout England.
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Dec 13, 2023
Circular
Perfect; complete.
A man so absolute and circularIn all those wished-for rarities that may takeA virgin captive.
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Dec 13, 2023
Circular
A circular letter, or paper, usually printed, copies of which are addressed or given to various persons; as, a business circular.
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Dec 13, 2023
Circular
An advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution;
He mailed the circular to all subscribers
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Dec 13, 2023
Circular
A circular refers to a document distributed to a large group.
Employees received a circular regarding the office relocation.
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Dec 20, 2023
Circular
A circular is a general notification sent to multiple recipients.
A circular was sent to all residents about the upcoming community event.
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Dec 20, 2023
Circular
A circular is a broad communication tool for public information.
The government issued a circular about the new tax regulations.
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Dec 20, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the main purpose of a memo?
The main purpose of a memo is to communicate specific information or directives within an organization.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
How does the audience differ for a circular and a memo?
Circulars target a broad audience, possibly including the public, while memos are intended for specific individuals or groups within an organization.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
What is a circular?
A circular is a document distributed widely to convey information or announcements.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
What is the typical format of a memo?
A memo usually follows a standard business format with a clear and concise message.
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Jan 05, 2024
What type of information is typically included in a circular?
Circulars generally include general information, such as events, policies, or public announcements.
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Jan 05, 2024
Are memos formal or informal?
Memos are formal documents used for internal communication in a business or organization.
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Jan 05, 2024
How detailed should a memo be?
A memo should be detailed enough to convey its message clearly but remain concise.
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Jan 05, 2024
What is the tone used in a circular?
The tone in a circular is usually formal and informative.
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Jan 05, 2024
Can circulars be used for internal communication?
Yes, circulars can be used internally but are more common for broader communication.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
How are circulars usually distributed?
Circulars are distributed through various channels like email, bulletin boards, or mail.
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Jan 05, 2024
Is a memo legally binding?
While a memo itself may not be legally binding, it can contain information about policies or decisions that have legal implications.
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Jan 05, 2024
What is the difference in the level of detail between a circular and a memo?
Circulars are generally less detailed than memos, focusing on broad information rather than specific details.
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Jan 05, 2024
Can a circular be used for marketing purposes?
Yes, a circular can be used for marketing to broadcast information to a large audience.
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Jan 05, 2024
What differentiates a memo from an email?
A memo is a more formal tool for internal communication, while an email can be informal and used for a wider range of purposes.
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Jan 05, 2024
Is there a standard length for a memo?
There is no standard length, but memos should be as brief as possible while conveying the necessary information.
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Jan 05, 2024
Can memos be used for external communication?
Memos are primarily used for internal communication, though they might be shared with external parties in certain contexts.
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Jan 05, 2024
How does the frequency of use compare between a circular and a memo?
Memos are used more frequently within organizations for routine communication, while circulars are issued as needed.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Can a circular address a specific issue?
While it can, a circular is more often used for general announcements rather than specific issues.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Are circulars considered official documents?
Circulars are official in the sense that they carry authorized information, but they are not typically legal documents.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Can circulars be targeted to a specific department in an organization?
Although possible, circulars are typically meant for a wider audience rather than specific departments.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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