circumference
gb/sɚkˈʌmfɹəns/ us/sɚkˈʌmfɹəns/
B2
English
~ 9200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
technical
B2
quantity
1
distance around a circle
The distance all the way around a circle or round object.
Usage pattern:
the circumference of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse 'circumference' with 'radius', 'diameter', or 'perimeter'. 'Circumference' is the distance around a circle. The radius is the distance from the center to the edge, the diameter is the distance across the circle through the center, and 'perimeter' is the distance around any shape (not just a circle). Another common mistake is to say 'a circumference of the circle is 10 cm'; more natural is 'the circumference of the circle is 10 cm'.
Synonyms
perimeter (A general word for the distance around any shape, not only circles; often used in everyday contexts more than in strict geometry for circles.)
|
girth (Usually refers to the distance around the body of a person or animal, especially around the waist or chest; more physical and concrete than the mathematical term.)
Antonyms
diameter (A contrasting measurement that goes straight across a circle through its center, instead of around it.)
Collocations
the circumference of a circle
|calculate the circumference
|measure the circumference
|earth's circumference
|waist circumference
Themes
math
|science
|geometry
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- To find the circumference of the circle, multiply its diameter by π.
- The tree's circumference was over three meters, showing how old it was.
- Engineers need the exact circumference of the wheel to program the speed sensors.
- Doctors often measure waist circumference to check for health risks.
- The earth's circumference at the equator is a little over 40,000 kilometers.
Learner examples
- We learned how to find the circumference of a circle in math class.
- The circumference of this plate is about one meter.
- She measured the circumference of his waist with a tape.
- This machine shows the circumference of each metal ring.
- The circumference of the earth is very large.
Noun
C1
entity
2
outer boundary of a round area
The outside edge or line around a round area or round object.
Usage pattern:
around the circumference of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'circumference' in this sense must always involve numbers or measurement, but it can simply mean the outer line or edge of a round area. In everyday descriptions, 'edge' or 'around the edge' is often more natural, so overusing 'circumference' in casual speech can sound too technical.
Synonyms
edge (A more general and common word for the outer limit of a surface or area, not limited to round shapes.)
|
border (Emphasizes the dividing line between two areas; not limited to circular shapes and used more broadly in geography and design.)
Antonyms
center (Refers to the middle point of a space or object, in contrast to its outer boundary.)
Collocations
around the circumference
|mark the circumference
|along the circumference
|trace the circumference
Themes
space
|geometry
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Lights were placed around the entire circumference of the stadium roof.
- A low stone wall marked the circumference of the old garden.
- Trees had been planted along the circumference of the lake.
- She slowly walked the circumference of the arena, waving to the crowd.
- The fence follows the circumference of the circular field.
Learner examples
- There is a path around the circumference of the pond.
- Benches stand along the circumference of the round park.
- He drew a circle and then colored only its circumference.
- Shops are built around the circumference of the plaza.
- They put lamps around the circumference of the round pool.
Grammar
Dictionary form
circumference
IPA
GB/sɚkˈʌmfɹəns/
US/sɚkˈʌmfɹəns/
Syllables & stress
cir - cum - fer - ence (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cir)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: circumference
- Plural: circumferences
Word family
Forms
circumferences
noun
Related words
circumferential
adjective
Advanced or less common
circumferentially
adverb
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.