Oval vs. Circle: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
An oval is an elongated round shape resembling an egg, while a circle is a perfect round shape with all points equidistant from the center.
Key Differences
An oval is a shape that resembles an elongated circle. It is defined by a smooth curve that closes in on itself, having two axes of symmetry that are of different lengths. In contrast, a circle is a simple shape consisting of all points in a plane that are at a constant distance from a central point. This distance is known as the radius, and it is the same in all directions, making a circle perfectly symmetrical.
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In the case of an oval, the curve does not maintain a consistent radius from its center. This lack of uniformity in distance is what gives the oval its characteristic elongated shape. On the other hand, a circle maintains a constant distance from its center to any point on its edge, resulting in a perfectly round shape. This uniformity is the defining characteristic of a circle.
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An oval can be visualized as a stretched circle where the central point is not equidistant to all points on the boundary. This stretching results in the longer and shorter axes. In a circle, however, any line drawn from the center to the circumference is the same length, reinforcing its perfect roundness.
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When it comes to drawing these shapes, an oval can be more challenging due to its asymmetrical axes. In contrast, a circle can be drawn simply with the use of a compass that maintains a constant radius, highlighting the uniformity and simplicity of its shape.
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The applications of ovals and circles also differ. Ovals are often used in design and art for their aesthetic appeal and dynamism. Circles, due to their perfect symmetry, are fundamental in fields like mathematics and engineering, where precision and uniformity are crucial.
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Comparison Chart
Drawing Difficulty
More challenging due to asymmetry
Easier, due to constant radius
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Oval and Circle Definitions
Oval
A shape with two axes of symmetry of different lengths.
The racetrack was an oval, longer in length than in width.
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Circle
A two-dimensional shape characterized by its symmetry.
The logo featured a simple yet elegant circle.
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Oval
An egg-shaped figure.
She drew an oval to represent an egg in her painting.
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Circle
A line forming a closed loop, every point of which is equidistant from a single point.
He marked the boundary of the garden with a circle of stones.
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Oval
A geometric shape with no sharp corners, elongated from a circle.
The table was oval, making it a unique choice for the dining room.
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Circle
A plane curve everywhere equidistant from a given fixed point, the center.
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Oval
A round shape, not perfectly circular but with a smooth curve.
Her face had an oval contour, soft and gentle.
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Circle
A circular or nearly circular course, circuit, or orbit:a satellite's circle around the earth.
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Circle
A series or process that finishes at its starting point or continuously repeats itself; a cycle.
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Oval
An elongated round shape resembling an egg or ellipse. Category:en:Curves
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Circle
A group of people sharing an interest, activity, or achievement:well-known in artistic circles.
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Circle
A territorial or administrative division, especially of a province, in some European countries.
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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.
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Oval
Of or pertaining to eggs; done in the egg, or inception; as, oval conceptions.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Circle
Any shape, curve or arrangement of objects that approximates to or resembles the geometric figures.
Children, please join hands and form a circle.
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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
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Circle
Any thin three-dimensional equivalent of the geometric figures.
Cut a circle out of that sheet of metal.
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Circle
A curve that more or less forms part or all of a circle.
The crank moves in a circle.
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Oval
A curved shape resembling a stretched or elongated circle.
The mirror had a beautiful oval frame.
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Circle
A specific group of persons; especially one who shares a common interest.
Inner circle
Circle of friends
Literary circle
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Circle
(logic) A form of argument in which two or more unproved statements are used to prove each other; inconclusive reasoning.
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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.
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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.
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Circle
(transitive) To travel around along a curved path.
The wolves circled the herd of deer.
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Circle
(transitive) To place or mark a circle around.
Circle the jobs that you are interested in applying for.
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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.
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Circle
An instrument of observation, the graduated limb of which consists of an entire circle.
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Circle
A round body; a sphere; an orb.
It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth.
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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.
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Circle
A series ending where it begins, and repeating itself.
Thus in a circle runs the peasant's pain.
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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.
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Circle
Indirect form of words; circumlocution.
Has he given the lie,In circle, or oblique, or semicircle.
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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.
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Circle
To move circularly; to form a circle; to circulate.
Thy name shall circle round the gaping through.
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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
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Circle
An unofficial association of people or groups;
The smart set goes there
They were an angry lot
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Circle
Something approximating the shape of a circle;
The chairs were arranged in a circle
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Circle
Movement once around a course;
He drove an extra lap just for insurance
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Circle
A road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island;
The accident blocked all traffic at the rotary
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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
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Circle
Any circular or rotating mechanism;
The machine punched out metal circles
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Circle
Be around;
Developments surround the town
The river encircles the village
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Circle
A round shape with all points equidistant from the center.
The artist drew a perfect circle with a compass.
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Circle
A continuous curve with no beginning or end.
The bracelet was in the shape of a circle.
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Circle
A geometric figure with no corners or edges.
The children sat in a circle during story time.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the main feature of a circle?
A circle's main feature is that all points along its edge are equidistant from a central point.
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Is an oval considered a geometric shape?
Yes, an oval is a geometric shape characterized by its elongated round form.
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Nov 28, 2023
Are circles and ovals used differently in design?
Yes, ovals are often used for aesthetic appeal, while circles are used for precision and symmetry in design.
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Are all ovals symmetrical?
Yes, ovals have two axes of symmetry, but these axes are of different lengths.
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What tools are needed to draw an oval?
Drawing an oval can require freehand drawing or an oval template, unlike a circle which can be drawn with a compass.
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Do ovals have a central point like circles?
Ovals don't have a central point equidistant to all edges, unlike circles.
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Are circles found frequently in nature?
Yes, circles are common in nature, evident in shapes like planetary orbits and water droplets.
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What defines an oval shape?
An oval is defined as an elongated or stretched circular shape, often resembling an egg.
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Can a circle have different radii?
No, a circle always has a constant radius throughout.
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Are all circles the same?
All circles are similar in shape but can vary in size (radius).
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Is it easier to draw a circle or an oval?
Generally, it is easier to draw a circle due to its constant radius.
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Do circles have corners or edges?
No, circles do not have any corners or edges; they are completely round.
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How many axes of symmetry does a circle have?
A circle has an infinite number of axes of symmetry, all of equal length.
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Can a circle be transformed into an oval?
Yes, by elongating one axis, a circle can be transformed into an oval.
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Are ovals always symmetrical along both axes?
Yes, but the lengths of the axes are different.
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Can a circle be described as an oval?
No, a circle is a specific type of shape and is not considered an oval.
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Is the term "oval" used in geometry?
Yes, "oval" is used in geometry to describe elongated circular shapes.
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Are circles and ovals related in geometry?
Yes, they are related as they both are round shapes, but with different properties regarding symmetry and dimensions.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can the term "oval" refer to three-dimensional objects?
Yes, the term "oval" can describe the two-dimensional base shape of three-dimensional objects.
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Is an oval a type of ellipse?
Yes, an oval is a type of ellipse, which is a general term for such elongated circular shapes.
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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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