Quadrangle vs. Shape — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 6, 2024
A quadrangle is a specific type of shape with four sides and angles, while "shape" is a general term for any form or outline.
Difference Between Quadrangle and Shape
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A quadrangle specifically refers to a geometric figure that has four sides and four angles. On the other hand, the term "shape" can refer to any form or contour that an object or figure might take, regardless of how many sides or what type of boundaries it has.
The concept of a quadrangle is a subset within the broader category of shapes, emphasizing its four-sided nature. Whereas, shapes encompass a wide range of geometrical figures, including circles, triangles, polygons, and more complex forms.
Quadrangles include various types such as squares, rectangles, and rhombuses, each defined by more specific rules about angles and side lengths. In contrast, shapes are not confined to specific properties and can be as simple as a line or as complex as an irregular polygon.
In mathematics, the study of quadrangles falls under the field of geometry known as quadrilateral studies. On the other hand, the study of shapes spans various aspects of geometry, including but not limited to dimensions, symmetry, and area calculations.
Quadrangles are always two-dimensional with a closed circuit, consisting of straight lines. Shapes, however, can vary from two-dimensional to three-dimensional forms, and can include both straight and curved lines.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A four-sided polygon.
Any external form or contour.
Dimensions
Always two-dimensional.
Can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional.
Types
Squares, rectangles, etc.
Includes all geometric figures.
Lines
Consists only of straight lines.
Can include straight or curved lines.
Field of Study
Quadrilateral studies in geometry.
General geometry.
Compare with Definitions
Quadrangle
Specifically refers to simple polygons with four edges and four vertices.
Every quadrangle has four angles totaling 360 degrees.
Shape
Can refer to geometric figures like circles, squares, or free-form designs.
The child drew a shape that resembled a house.
Quadrangle
A type of polygon, differing from triangles and other polygons by having four sides.
A square is a special type of quadrangle where all sides and angles are equal.
Shape
The external form, contours, or outline of an object.
The artist captured the shape of the landscape beautifully.
Quadrangle
A four-sided geometric figure.
The area of the quadrangle depends on its shape and dimensions.
Shape
Broadly encompasses both two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms.
Spheres and cubes are examples of three-dimensional shapes.
Quadrangle
Also called a quadrilateral in more formal contexts.
In geometry, a quadrangle is often referred to as a quadrilateral.
Shape
Used in mathematics to discuss the properties of physical forms.
Calculating the perimeter involves knowing the shape's dimensions.
Quadrangle
A term used in architecture for a courtyard surrounded by buildings.
The university quadrangle is a popular gathering place.
Shape
A term in everyday use to describe the appearance or silhouette of objects.
The shape of the vase made it unstable.
Quadrangle
A four-sided plane figure, especially a square or rectangle.
Shape
A shape or figure is the form of an object or its external boundary, outline, or external surface, as opposed to other properties such as color, texture, or material type. A plane shape, two-dimensional shape, or 2D shape (plane figure, two-dimensional figure, or 2D figure) is constrained to lie on a plane, in contrast to solid figures.
Quadrangle
A square or rectangular space or courtyard enclosed by buildings.
Shape
The characteristic surface configuration of a thing; an outline or contour
A lake in the shape of an hourglass.
Quadrangle
(Mathematics) A quadrilateral.
Shape
Spatial form, contour, or appearance
The sandy coastline is always changing shape.
Quadrangle
A rectangular area surrounded on all four sides by buildings.
Shape
The body or outward appearance of a person or an animal
Saw two shapes walking toward her in the night.
Quadrangle
The buildings bordering this area.
Shape
The contour of a person's body; the figure
A swimmer with a slender shape.
Quadrangle
The area of land shown on one atlas sheet charted by the US Geological Survey.
Shape
A definite or distinctive form
Our discussion acquired the shape of an argument.
Quadrangle
(geometry) A geometric shape with four angles and four straight sides; a four-sided polygon.
Shape
Form, condition, or embodiment
How is your research project taking shape?.
Quadrangle
A courtyard which is quadrangular.
Shape
A desirable form
A fabric that holds its shape.
Quadrangle
The buildings forming the border of such a courtyard.
Shape
Assumed or false appearance; guise
A god in the shape of a swan.
Quadrangle
A plane figure having four angles, and consequently four sides; any figure having four angles.
Shape
A ghostly form; a phantom
Shapes appeared in his bedroom at night.
Quadrangle
A square or quadrangular space or inclosure, such a space or court surrounded by buildings, esp. such a court in a college or public school in England.
Shape
Something, such as a mold or pattern, used to give or determine form.
Quadrangle
A four-sided polygon
Shape
The condition of something with regard to effectiveness, use, or appearance
What kind of shape is your car in?.
Quadrangle
A rectangular area surrounded on all sides by buildings
Shape
Bodily condition, as in regard to muscle tone or endurance
She's in great shape after working out for six months.
Shape
To give a particular form to (a material)
Shape the dough into baguettes.
Shape
To create or configure, as from a material
A sculpture that was shaped out of ice.
Shape
To cause to conform to a particular form
A pool that is shaped like an hourglass.
A bone that is shaped to bear weight.
Shape
To plan or devise
Shape a new educational program.
Shape
To embody in a definite form
Shaped a folk tale into an opera.
Shape
To influence in a formative way
Experiences that shaped his identity.
Shape
To direct the course of
"He shaped history as well as being shaped by it" (Robert J. Samuelson).
Shape
The status or condition of something
The used bookshop wouldn’t offer much due to the poor shape of the book.
Shape
Condition of personal health, especially muscular health.
The vet checked to see what kind of shape the animal was in.
We exercise to keep in good physical shape.
Shape
The appearance of something in terms of its arrangement in space, especially its outline; often a basic geometric two-dimensional figure.
He cut a square shape out of the cake.
What shape shall we use for the cookies? Stars, circles, or diamonds?
Shape
Form; formation.
Shape
(iron manufacture) A rolled or hammered piece, such as a bar, beam, angle iron, etc., having a cross section different from merchant bar.
Shape
(iron manufacture) A piece which has been roughly forged nearly to the form it will receive when completely forged or fitted.
Shape
A mould for making blancmange, jelly, etc., or a piece of such food formed moulded into a particular shape.
Shape
(gambling) A loaded die.
Shape
(programming) In the Hack programming language, a group of data fields each of which has a name and a data type.
Shape
To create or make.
Earth was shapen by God for God's folk.
Shape
(transitive) To give something a shape and definition.
Shape the dough into a pretzel.
For my art project, I plan to shape my clay lump into a bowl.
Shape
To form or manipulate something into a certain shape.
Shape
(of a country, person, etc) To give influence to.
Shape
To suit; to be adjusted or conformable.
Shape
(obsolete) To imagine; to conceive.
Shape
To form or create; especially, to mold or make into a particular form; to give proper form or figure to.
I was shapen in iniquity.
Grace shaped her limbs, and beauty decked her face.
Shape
To adapt to a purpose; to regulate; to adjust; to direct; as, to shape the course of a vessel.
To the stream, when neither friends, nor force,Nor speed nor art avail, he shapes his course.
Charmed by their eyes, their manners I acquire,And shape my foolishness to their desire.
Shape
To imagine; to conceive; to call forth (ideas).
Oft my jealousyShapes faults that are not.
Shape
To design; to prepare; to plan; to arrange.
When shapen was all this conspiracy,From point to point.
I will early shape me therefor.
Shape
To suit; to be adjusted or conformable.
Shape
Character or construction of a thing as determining its external appearance; outward aspect; make; figure; form; guise; as, the shape of a tree; the shape of the head; an elegant shape.
He beat me grievously, in the shape of a woman.
Shape
That which has form or figure; a figure; an appearance; a being.
Before the gates three sat,On either side, a formidable shape.
Shape
A model; a pattern; a mold.
Shape
Form of embodiment, as in words; form, as of thought or conception; concrete embodiment or example, as of some quality.
Shape
Dress for disguise; guise.
Look better on this virgin, and considerThis Persian shape laid by, and she appearingIn a Greekish dress.
Shape
A rolled or hammered piece, as a bar, beam, angle iron, etc., having a cross section different from merchant bar.
Shape
Any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline);
He could barely make out their shapes through the smoke
Shape
The spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance;
Geometry is the mathematical science of shape
Shape
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Shape
A concrete representation of an otherwise nebulous concept;
A circle was the embodiment of his concept of life
Shape
The visual appearance of something or someone;
The delicate cast of his features
Shape
The state of (good) health (especially in the phrases `in condition' or `in shape' or `out of condition' or `out of shape')
Shape
The supremem headquarters that advises NATO on military matters and oversees all aspects of the Allied Command Europe
Shape
A perceptual structure;
The composition presents problems for students of musical form
A visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them
Shape
Shape or influence; give direction to;
Experience often determines ability
Mold public opinion
Shape
Make something, usually for a specific function;
She molded the riceballs carefully
Form cylinders from the dough
Shape a figure
Work the metal into a sword
Shape
Give a shape or form to;
Shape the dough
Common Curiosities
What types of shapes are there in geometry?
In geometry, shapes can be as varied as polygons, circles, ellipses, and complex free-form figures.
What defines a quadrangle?
A quadrangle is defined as a polygon with exactly four sides and four angles.
Is a rectangle a shape or a quadrangle?
A rectangle is both a shape and a specific type of quadrangle with right angles and opposite sides that are equal.
Can a circle be considered a quadrangle?
No, a circle cannot be considered a quadrangle because it does not have sides or angles.
What is the simplest form of shape?
The simplest form of shape could be considered a line or a circle, as these are basic and require minimal information to define.
Can shapes be both two-dimensional and three-dimensional?
Yes, shapes can be both two-dimensional, like squares and circles, and three-dimensional, like cubes and spheres.
How are quadrangles used in real life?
Quadrangles are used in various fields including architecture, urban planning, and graphic design to create structured, functional spaces.
How do shapes differ in geometry?
Shapes in geometry vary widely from basic figures like circles and quadrangles to more complex forms like hyperbolas and irregular polygons.
Why is understanding different shapes important?
Understanding different shapes is crucial for applications in engineering, architecture, and mathematics, where specific properties like area and perimeter are needed.
How does one calculate the area of a quadrangle?
The area of a quadrangle can be calculated if the lengths of sides and the angles between them are known, or by using specific formulas for squares, rectangles, and other types.
What role do shapes play in design?
Shapes play a fundamental role in design by influencing aesthetics and functionality, guiding the visual and practical elements of a creation.
Are all quadrangles symmetrical?
Not all quadrangles are symmetrical; symmetry depends on specific properties like equal side lengths and angles.
How do children learn about shapes?
Children typically learn about shapes through educational activities that include drawing, recognizing, and manipulating different forms.
Is the term 'quadrangle' used outside of geometry?
Yes, the term 'quadrangle' is also used in architecture to describe a courtyard surrounded by buildings.
What geometric properties are shared by all quadrangles?
All quadrangles share the property of having four sides and four angles, with the total angle measure being 360 degrees.
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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
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.
