Oblong vs. Oblate — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 17, 2024
Oblong refers to an elongated shape, typically with parallel sides, while oblate describes a sphere flattened at the poles, creating a wider equatorial diameter.
Difference Between Oblong and Oblate
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Key Differences
Oblong refers to a shape that is longer in one dimension than the other, often resembling a rectangle with rounded edges. This term is commonly used to describe objects like tables, leaves, or pills, where the length significantly exceeds the width. Oblate, on the other hand, is used to describe a sphere that is flattened at the poles, making it wider at the equator. This shape is typically associated with planets, such as Earth, which is an oblate spheroid due to its rotation.
While oblong emphasizes an elongated form with parallel sides, oblate highlights a symmetrical, spherical shape that has been compressed along one axis. Oblong shapes are more common in everyday objects, whereas oblate shapes are more frequently discussed in astronomical contexts.
Oblong can be visualized as a stretched rectangle, often with rounded corners, making it easily recognizable in various practical items. Oblate, however, requires an understanding of three-dimensional geometry, as it describes a shape that is slightly squashed from a perfect sphere.
In everyday language, oblong is a more frequently used term, found in descriptions of simple, practical objects. Oblate is more technical, used primarily in scientific fields to describe specific geometric forms and natural phenomena.
Comparison Chart
Shape
Elongated, rectangular with rounded edges
Spherical, flattened at the poles
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Common Usage
Everyday objects (tables, leaves, pills)
Astronomical and scientific contexts
Dimension Emphasis
Length significantly exceeds width
Equatorial diameter exceeds polar diameter
Example Object
Pill
Earth (oblate spheroid)
Visual Representation
Stretched rectangle
Compressed sphere
Compare with Definitions
Oblong
A rectangle with rounded edges.
The oblong design of the pill makes it easier to swallow.
Oblate
Flattened at the poles of a sphere.
Earth is not a perfect sphere but an oblate spheroid.
Oblong
Longer in one direction than the other.
The oblong table fits well in the narrow room.
Oblate
Wider at the equator than at the poles.
The planet Jupiter is significantly oblate.
Oblong
Elongated shape, usually with parallel sides.
The leaves are oblong with smooth edges.
Oblate
A geometric term for a specific form of spheroid.
The scientist explained the oblate shape using a diagram.
Oblong
Having an elongated, oval-like appearance.
The rug is oblong, perfectly fitting the hallway.
Oblate
A shape resulting from compression along one axis.
The model demonstrates an oblate shape.
Oblong
A rectangular object or flat figure with unequal adjacent sides
An oblong of grass
Oblate
In Christianity (especially Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican and Methodist), an oblate is a person who is specifically dedicated to God or to God's service. Oblates are individuals, either laypersons or clergy, normally living in general society, who, while not professed monks or nuns, have individually affiliated themselves with a monastic community of their choice.
Oblong
Having the shape of an oblong
Oblong tables
Oblate
Having the shape of a spheroid generated by rotating an ellipse about its shorter axis.
Oblong
Deviating from a square, circular, or spherical form by being elongated in one direction.
Oblate
Having an equatorial diameter greater than the distance between poles; compressed along or flattened at the poles
Planet Earth is an oblate solid.
Oblong
Having the shape of or resembling a rectangle or ellipse.
Oblate
A layperson dedicated to religious life, especially such a layperson who is affiliated with but not a member of a monastic order.
Oblong
(Botany) Having an elongated form with approximately parallel sides
An oblong leaf.
Oblate
Oblate Roman Catholic Church A member of one of various religious communities whose members are bound by less stringent vows than those required of monastic orders.
Oblong
An object or figure, such as a rectangle, with an elongated shape.
Oblate
(Roman Catholicism) A person dedicated to a life of religion or monasticism, especially a member of an order without religious vows or a lay member of a religious community.
Oblong
Having a length and width that are different; not square or circular.
Oblate
A child given up by its parents into the keeping or dedication of a religious order or house.
Oblong
Roughly rectangular or elliptical.
Oblate
Flattened or depressed at the poles.
The Earth is an oblate spheroid.
Oblong
(bookmaking) Having the horizontal axis of a page longer than the vertical; In landscape orientation.
Oblate
To offer as either a gift or an oblation.
Oblong
Something with an oblong shape.
Oblate
Flattened or depressed at the poles; as, the earth is an oblate spheroid.
Oblong
A rectangle with length and width that are different.
Oblate
One of an association of priests or religious women who have offered themselves to the service of the church. There are three such associations of priests, and one of women, called oblates.
Oblong
An ellipse with minor and major axes that are different.
Oblate
A lay person dedicated to religious work or the religious life
Oblong
To extend so as to form an oblong shape.
Oblate
Having the equatorial diameter greater than the polar diameter; being flattened at the poles
Oblong
To give an oblong shape to.
Oblate
Describes celestial bodies flattened due to rotation.
The oblate nature of Saturn is due to its rapid spin.
Oblong
Having greater length than breadth, esp. when rectangular.
Oblong
A rectangular figure longer than it is broad; hence, any figure longer than it is broad.
The best figure of a garden I esteem an oblong upon a descent.
Oblong
A plane figure that deviates from a square or circle due to elongation
Oblong
Of a leaf shape; having a somewhat elongated form with approximately parallel sides
Oblong
Deviating from a square or circle or sphere by being elongated in one direction
Oblong
An extended form of a geometric figure.
The garden has an oblong layout.
Common Curiosities
Can a table be described as oblong?
Yes, tables that are longer than they are wide can be described as oblong.
What objects are typically oblong?
Common oblong objects include tables, leaves, and pills.
What kind of symmetry does an oblong shape have?
Oblong shapes typically have bilateral symmetry.
How is an oblate shape formed?
An oblate shape is formed by flattening a sphere at its poles, making it wider at the equator.
Can a pill be oblate?
Pills are usually oblong rather than oblate.
Is Earth an oblate spheroid?
Yes, Earth is an oblate spheroid, slightly flattened at the poles.
Are all planets oblate?
Many planets are oblate due to their rotation, but not all.
What does oblong mean?
Oblong refers to a shape that is elongated, typically longer in one dimension than the other.
Why is Earth not a perfect sphere?
Earth's rotation causes it to be oblate, not a perfect sphere.
What is the key difference between oblong and oblate?
Oblong describes an elongated shape, while oblate refers to a sphere flattened at the poles.
Which term is more common in everyday language?
Oblong is more commonly used in everyday language than oblate.
Is an oblong shape always rectangular?
An oblong shape is often rectangular with rounded edges but not necessarily always rectangular.
What does an oblong leaf look like?
An oblong leaf is longer than it is wide, often with smooth, parallel sides.
What field frequently uses the term oblate?
The term oblate is frequently used in astronomy and geophysics.
How does rotation affect a planet's shape?
Rotation can cause a planet to become oblate, flattening at the poles and widening at the equator.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
