Circle vs. Ellipse — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 25, 2024
A circle is a special form of an ellipse where all points are equidistant from the center, whereas an ellipse has two focal points and varying distances from these foci to any point on its outline.
Difference Between Circle and Ellipse
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A circle is defined as a shape where all points on the perimeter are equally distant from the center, making distance uniform throughout. On the other hand, an ellipse lacks this uniformity; its perimeter consists of points at varying distances from two focal points, resulting in an oval shape.
While a circle is perfectly symmetrical across any diameter, an ellipse displays symmetry only across its major and minor axes. This difference in symmetry affects their mathematical properties and visual appearance.
Regarding their applications, circles are often used in design and architecture for their perfect symmetry and simplicity. Ellipses, however, find unique applications in astronomy and physics, particularly in describing planetary orbits, due to their elliptical nature.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A shape with all points equidistant from the center.
An oval shape with points at varying distances from two foci.
Symmetry
Symmetrical across any diameter.
Symmetrical only across major and minor axes.
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Applications
Design, architecture
Astronomy, physics (planetary orbits)
Compare with Definitions
Circle
Symbolically represents unity and completeness.
A wedding band, a circle, symbolizes unending love.
Ellipse
Refers to an elliptical orbit in astronomy.
Earth's orbit around the sun is an ellipse, not a perfect circle.
Circle
A group of people with a shared profession or interests.
She moved in artistic circles.
Ellipse
In geometry, a curve on a plane surrounding two focal points.
Each point of an ellipse is the sum of the distances from two foci.
Circle
In mathematics, a locus of points equidistant from a given point.
Drawing a circle with a compass involves maintaining a constant radius.
Ellipse
A type of conic section obtained by cutting a cone with a plane.
An ellipse can be seen when a cone is cut obliquely.
Circle
A round plane figure whose boundary consists of points equidistant from the center.
A pizza is often cut into slices from a perfect circle.
Ellipse
Symbolizes balance and harmony in design.
The garden's layout is based on an ellipse to create a peaceful space.
Circle
A traffic circle or roundabout for managing vehicle flow.
Take the second exit at the circle to continue on Main Street.
Ellipse
An oval shape, resembling a flattened circle.
An ellipse often represents planetary orbits in diagrams.
Circle
A circle is a shape consisting of all points in a plane that are at a given distance from a given point, the centre; equivalently it is the curve traced out by a point that moves in a plane so that its distance from a given point is constant. The distance between any point of the circle and the centre is called the radius.
Ellipse
In mathematics, an ellipse is a plane curve surrounding two focal points, such that for all points on the curve, the sum of the two distances to the focal points is a constant. As such, it generalizes a circle, which is the special type of ellipse in which the two focal points are the same.
Circle
A round plane figure whose boundary (the circumference) consists of points equidistant from a fixed point (the centre)
Draw a circle with a compass
Ellipse
A conic section whose plane is not parallel to the axis, base, or generatrix of the intersected cone.
Circle
A group of people with a shared profession, interests, or acquaintances
She did not normally move in such exalted circles
Ellipse
The locus of points for which the sum of the distances from each point to two fixed points is equal.
Circle
Move all the way around (someone or something), especially more than once
They were circling Athens airport
We circled round the island
Ellipse
Ellipsis.
Circle
A plane curve everywhere equidistant from a given fixed point, the center.
Ellipse
(geometry) A closed curve, the locus of a point such that the sum of the distances from that point to two other fixed points (called the foci of the ellipse) is constant; equivalently, the conic section that is the intersection of a cone with a plane that does not intersect the base of the cone. Category:en:Curves
Circle
A planar region bounded by a circle.
Ellipse
(grammar) To remove from a phrase a word which is grammatically needed, but which is clearly understood without having to be stated.
In B's response to A's question:- (A: Would you like to go out?, B: I'd love to), the words that are ellipsed are go out.
Circle
Something, such as a ring, shaped like such a plane curve.
Ellipse
An oval or oblong figure, bounded by a regular curve, which corresponds to an oblique projection of a circle, or an oblique section of a cone through its opposite sides. The greatest diameter of the ellipse is the major axis, and the least diameter is the minor axis. See Conic section, under Conic, and cf. Focus.
Circle
A circular or nearly circular course, circuit, or orbit:a satellite's circle around the earth.
Ellipse
Omission. See Ellipsis.
Circle
A traffic circle.
Ellipse
The elliptical orbit of a planet.
The Sun flies forward to his brother Sun;The dark Earth follows wheeled in her ellipse.
Circle
A series or process that finishes at its starting point or continuously repeats itself; a cycle.
Ellipse
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
Circle
A group of people sharing an interest, activity, or achievement:well-known in artistic circles.
Circle
A territorial or administrative division, especially of a province, in some European countries.
Circle
A sphere of influence or interest; domain.
Circle
(Logic)A vicious circle.
Circle
To make or form a circle around:The hedge circles the fountain.
Circle
To move in a circle around:The ship circled the island.
Circle
To move in a circle.
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).
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.
Circle
Any shape, curve or arrangement of objects that approximates to or resembles the geometric figures.
Children, please join hands and form a circle.
Circle
Any thin three-dimensional equivalent of the geometric figures.
Cut a circle out of that sheet of metal.
Circle
A curve that more or less forms part or all of a circle.
The crank moves in a circle.
Circle
A specific group of persons; especially one who shares a common interest.
Inner circle
Circle of friends
Literary circle
Circle
The orbit of an astronomical body.
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.
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.
Circle
A traffic circle or roundabout.
Circle
(obsolete) Compass; circuit; enclosure.
Circle
A series ending where it begins, and repeating itself.
Circle
(logic) A form of argument in which two or more unproved statements are used to prove each other; inconclusive reasoning.
Circle
Indirect form of words; circumlocution.
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.
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.
Circle
(transitive) To travel around along a curved path.
The wolves circled the herd of deer.
Circle
(transitive) To surround.
A high fence circles the enclosure.
Circle
(transitive) To place or mark a circle around.
Circle the jobs that you are interested in applying for.
Circle
(intransitive) To travel in circles.
Vultures circled overhead.
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.
Circle
The line that bounds such a figure; a circumference; a ring.
Circle
An instrument of observation, the graduated limb of which consists of an entire circle.
Circle
A round body; a sphere; an orb.
It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth.
Circle
Compass; circuit; inclosure.
In the circle of this forest.
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.
Circle
A circular group of persons; a ring.
Circle
A series ending where it begins, and repeating itself.
Thus in a circle runs the peasant's pain.
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.
Circle
Indirect form of words; circumlocution.
Has he given the lie,In circle, or oblique, or semicircle.
Circle
A territorial division or district.
Circle
To move around; to revolve around.
Other planets circle other suns.
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.
Circle
To move circularly; to form a circle; to circulate.
Thy name shall circle round the gaping through.
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
Circle
An unofficial association of people or groups;
The smart set goes there
They were an angry lot
Circle
Something approximating the shape of a circle;
The chairs were arranged in a circle
Circle
Movement once around a course;
He drove an extra lap just for insurance
Circle
A road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island;
The accident blocked all traffic at the rotary
Circle
Street names for flunitrazepan
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
Circle
Any circular or rotating mechanism;
The machine punched out metal circles
Circle
Travel around something;
Circle the globe
Circle
Move in circles
Circle
Be around;
Developments surround the town
The river encircles the village
Circle
Form a circle around;
Encircle the errors
Common Curiosities
How is an ellipse different from a circle?
An ellipse has two focal points, and points on its perimeter are not uniformly distant from these foci, unlike a circle.
Where are ellipses commonly used?
Ellipses find applications in astronomy, physics, and design, especially in depicting orbits.
What distinguishes the equations of circles and ellipses?
The equation of a circle is based on a single radius, while an ellipse's equation incorporates two axis lengths.
What applications do circles have?
Circles are widely used in design, architecture, and symbolism.
What defines a circle?
A circle is defined by all points on its edge being equidistant from its center.
Can a circle be considered a type of ellipse?
Yes, a circle is a special case of an ellipse where the semi-major and semi-minor axes are equal.
Why are ellipses important in astronomy?
Ellipses describe the orbits of planets and celestial bodies according to Kepler's laws.
What symmetry does a circle have?
A circle is symmetrical across any line that passes through its center.
What kind of symmetry does an ellipse have?
An ellipse is symmetrical across its major and minor axes.
Are the mathematical properties of circles and ellipses similar?
While they share some foundational geometric principles, their mathematical properties and equations significantly differ due to their different symmetries and structures.
How do the areas of circles and ellipses differ?
The area of a circle depends solely on its radius, whereas an ellipse's area depends on the lengths of its semi-major and semi-minor axes.
What is the significance of a circle's symmetry?
Its perfect symmetry makes it ideal for various applications in design and symbolism.
How does the concept of an ellipse extend beyond geometry?
Beyond geometry, ellipses symbolize balance and harmony, and are crucial in understanding celestial mechanics.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
