Oval vs. Ellipse — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 5, 2023
An oval is a rounded shape resembling an egg, while an ellipse is a geometric shape with two axes of different lengths. Both are elongated circles, but ellipse has stricter mathematical properties.
Difference Between Oval and Ellipse
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ovals and ellipses, while similar, are distinct in their definitions. An oval is a curved shape that generally looks like an elongated circle, often associated with the shape of an egg. On the other hand, an ellipse is a specific mathematical curve with two focal points.
In everyday language, the term "oval" might be used more loosely to describe any egg-like shape, even if it's not perfectly symmetrical. The ellipse, however, has a precise definition in mathematics, where it represents a curve on a plane surrounding two focal points such that the sum of the distances to the two focal points is constant for every point on the curve.
The distinction can be particularly noticeable in design or art. An artist might describe a shape as oval simply because it's not perfectly circular. In contrast, someone studying geometry or astronomy would use the term "ellipse" to describe planetary orbits or specific geometric constructions.
While both ovals and ellipses are similar in appearance, context matters. The term oval has broader applications in everyday scenarios, while ellipse has a more technical, mathematical foundation, often linked to specific properties and definitions.
Comparison Chart
Definition
General elongated circle shape
Specific mathematical curve with two focal points
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Symmetry
Not necessarily symmetrical
Always symmetrical about its two axes
Usage
Common in everyday language
Common in mathematical and scientific contexts
Focal Points
Not defined
Has two distinct focal points
Example Application
Art and design
Planetary orbits, geometry
Compare with Definitions
Oval
A rounded shape, generally resembling an egg.
The mirror had a beautiful oval frame.
Ellipse
A curve on a plane with two focal points.
The planets orbit the sun in an ellipse.
Oval
An elongated circle, not necessarily symmetrical.
She wore an oval pendant around her neck.
Ellipse
Used in mathematical contexts with a strict definition.
In geometry class, we learned to draw an ellipse using string and pins.
Oval
Lacks the strict mathematical properties of ellipses.
The pond was more of an oval than a perfect circle.
Ellipse
Represents planetary orbits in astronomy.
The Earth's orbit around the sun is not a perfect circle but an ellipse.
Oval
Common in design and art for its aesthetic appeal.
The artist preferred using oval shapes in his sketches.
Ellipse
A geometric shape with two axes of different lengths.
The ellipse was drawn with a major and minor axis.
Oval
Broadly used in everyday scenarios and language.
The dining table was oval, fitting the room perfectly.
Ellipse
A closed curve that generalizes a circle.
The racetrack was shaped like an ellipse, with two distinct straight stretches.
Oval
An oval (from Latin ovum, "egg") is a closed curve in a plane which resembles the outline of an egg. The term is not very specific, but in some areas (projective geometry, technical drawing, etc.) it is given a more precise definition, which may include either one or two axes of symmetry of an ellipse.
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.
Oval
Having a rounded and slightly elongated outline or shape like that of an egg
Her smooth oval face
Ellipse
A conic section whose plane is not parallel to the axis, base, or generatrix of the intersected cone.
Oval
A body, object, or design with an oval shape or outline
Cut out two small ovals from the felt
Ellipse
The locus of points for which the sum of the distances from each point to two fixed points is equal.
Oval
Resembling an egg in shape.
Ellipse
Ellipsis.
Oval
Resembling an ellipse in shape; elliptical.
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
Oval
An egg-shaped or elliptical form or figure.
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.
Oval
An elliptical track, as for racing or athletic events.
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.
Oval
An elongated round shape resembling an egg or ellipse. Category:en:Curves
Ellipse
Omission. See Ellipsis.
Oval
A thing having such a shape, such as an arena.
Ellipse
The elliptical orbit of a planet.
The Sun flies forward to his brother Sun;The dark Earth follows wheeled in her ellipse.
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.
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
Oval
(AU) A sports field, typically but not exclusively oval in shape.
Oval
Having the shape of an oval.
Oval
Of or pertaining to an ovum.
Oval conceptions
Oval
Of or pertaining to eggs; done in the egg, or inception; as, oval conceptions.
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.
Oval
Broadly elliptical.
Oval
A body or figure in the shape of an egg, or popularly, of an ellipse.
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
Oval
Rounded like an egg
Common Curiosities
Which is more symmetrical, Oval or Ellipse?
Ellipse is always symmetrical about its axes; ovals might not be.
What are Ovals and Ellipses?
Oval is a general rounded shape; Ellipse is a mathematical curve with two focal points.
Is every Oval an Ellipse?
Not necessarily; all ellipses are ovals, but not all ovals are ellipses.
Where are Ellipses commonly found?
In mathematical contexts and in descriptions of planetary orbits.
Is an Ellipse always flat?
Yes, in geometry, it's a 2D shape.
Is the term "Oval" derived from "Ovum," meaning egg?
Yes, it's related to the Latin word for egg due to the shape.
Do Ovals have focal points like Ellipses?
No, only ellipses have two distinct focal points.
Which is more specific in definition, Oval or Ellipse?
Ellipse has a stricter, more technical definition.
In what contexts is "Ellipse" primarily used?
In mathematical, scientific, and astronomical contexts.
Can an Oval be perfectly symmetrical?
Yes, but it's not a requirement.
Why is the term "Oval" used more casually?
Because it has a broader, less technical definition than "Ellipse."
Are circles considered Ellipses?
Yes, a circle is a special type of ellipse where the two focal points coincide.
Can an Oval be described mathematically?
Not with the precision of an ellipse; ovals don't have a standard mathematical definition.
How do artists view the Oval?
As a shape not strictly bound by mathematical properties.
Can the words "Oval" and "Ellipse" be used interchangeably?
Not always. While similar, their usage depends on the context and required precision.
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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.
