Angle
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/ˈæŋɡəl/ (ANG-guhl)
Definitions
As a noun:
- 1. The space between two intersecting lines or surfaces, typically measured in degrees.
- 2. A position or viewpoint from which something is considered or approached.
- 3. A sharp bend or corner, especially in a road or path.
As a verb:
- 1. To move or position something at an angle.
- 2. To present or approach in a particular way or from a specific perspective.
Usage Examples
- 1. The angle between the two walls is 90 degrees.
- 2. He took a different angle on the issue, focusing on the financial implications.
- 3. The road had a sharp angle that made it difficult to navigate.
- 4. She angled the camera to get a better shot of the landscape.
Etymology
From Middle English "angul," borrowed from Latin "angulus," meaning "a corner, a bend." The term has been used to describe both geometric and figurative forms of "bends" or "changes in direction" since the 14th century.
Synonyms
- Corner
- Point
- Aspect
- Viewpoint
- Perspective
- Inclination
- Slant
Translations
Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
Spanish |
Ángulo |
Án-go-lo |
French |
Angle |
An-gluh |
German |
Winkel |
Vink-uhl |
Chinese |
角度 |
Jiǎodù |
Arabic |
زاوية |
Zāwiya |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In British English: /ˈæŋɡəl/ (ANG-guhl)
- In American English: /ˈæŋɡəl/ (ANG-guhl)
Historical Usage
The term "angle" has been used in geometry since Ancient Greece, where mathematicians such as Euclid studied angles as part of their work on basic shapes. The term has been adapted over the centuries to describe not only geometric measurements but also more abstract concepts, such as approaches or perspectives in various disciplines.
Cultural Nuances
In various cultures, the concept of "angle" often extends beyond mathematics to include philosophical or rhetorical angles. For example, in literature or conversation, a person might "angle" for a particular outcome or "approach an issue from a different angle." The idea of "angle" also appears in art and photography, where the perspective or the view taken of an object or scene is often referred to as its "angle."