Spiral vs. Spiralled — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 6, 2024
"Spiral" describes a shape or motion that revolves around a point while continuously moving outward or inward, while "spiralled" typically refers to something that has moved in a spiral pattern or rapidly increased or decreased.
Difference Between Spiral and Spiralled
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Spiral" is a noun or adjective used to describe a curve that winds around a fixed center point at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance. On the other hand, "spiralled" is the past tense of the verb "spiral," indicating action where something has moved in a spiral trajectory or figuratively increased or decreased dramatically.
"Spiral" can also be used as a verb, meaning to follow a spiral course. Whereas "spiralled" is often used to describe a situation where control is lost, especially in phrases like "spiralled out of control."
In geometry, "spiral" refers to a particular type of curve, such as the Archimedean spiral, logarithmic spiral, or the Fibonacci spiral. Conversely, "spiralled" can be used to describe the pattern or path that follows such a geometric form.
In everyday language, "spiral" is often used metaphorically to describe a process that continuously deteriorates or improves. In contrast, "spiralled" might describe the actual process of moving through stages of change, typically suggesting a rapid and often uncontrolled change.
"Spiral" is used in various contexts, from describing the physical design of staircases and galaxies to the abstract ideas of economic downturns. On the other hand, "spiralled" typically focuses on the action and result of such designs or situations unfolding or escalating.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun, Adjective, Verb
Verb (past tense)
Meaning
Describes a curve moving around a center point
Refers to something having moved in a spiral
Usage in Geometry
Refers to specific types of curves
Describes a path following a spiral curve
Metaphorical Use
Can describe a gradual and continuous process
Often indicates a sudden and uncontrollable change
Examples in Nature
Patterns in shells, galaxies
Trajectory of a leaf falling, behavior of water draining
Compare with Definitions
Spiral
A curve on a plane that winds around a fixed center point at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance.
The nautilus shell is a classic example of a natural spiral.
Spiralled
Followed a winding course or trajectory.
The path spiralled up the mountain, offering stunning views.
Spiral
A situation where continuous movement is centered around a core concept or process.
The debate seemed to spiral into a series of never-ending arguments.
Spiralled
Increased or decreased swiftly and uncontrollably.
Costs have spiralled out of control in recent months.
Spiral
To continuously change in a cyclic pattern, either upward or downward.
The dancer's skirt spiraled beautifully as she spun around.
Spiralled
Exhibited a pattern or behavior typical of a spiral movement.
The plot of the novel spiralled into a complex web of intrigues.
Spiral
A progressive rise or fall in stages.
Inflation began to spiral after the unexpected economic downturn.
Spiralled
Moved in a spiral pattern.
The airplane spiralled downwards before regaining control.
Spiral
To move in a winding or circular course.
The smoke began to spiral into the sky from the campfire.
Spiralled
Changed rapidly in a circular or cyclical fashion.
Public opinion has spiralled as new facts have come to light.
Spiral
In mathematics, a spiral is a curve which emanates from a point, moving farther away as it revolves around the point.
Spiralled
A curve on a plane that winds around a fixed center point at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance from the point.
Spiral
A curve on a plane that winds around a fixed center point at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance from the point.
Spiralled
A three-dimensional curve that turns around an axis at a constant or continuously varying distance while moving parallel to the axis; a helix.
Spiral
A three-dimensional curve that turns around an axis at a constant or continuously varying distance while moving parallel to the axis; a helix.
Spiralled
Something having the form of such a curve
A spiral of black smoke.
Spiral
Something having the form of such a curve
A spiral of black smoke.
Spiralled
(Printing) A spiral binding.
Spiral
(Printing) A spiral binding.
Spiralled
The course or flight path of an object rotating on its longitudinal axis.
Spiral
The course or flight path of an object rotating on its longitudinal axis.
Spiralled
A continuously accelerating increase or decrease
The wage-price spiral.
Spiral
A continuously accelerating increase or decrease
The wage-price spiral.
Spiralled
Of or resembling a spiral.
Spiral
Of or resembling a spiral.
Spiralled
Circling around a center at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance.
Spiral
Circling around a center at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance.
Spiralled
Coiling around an axis in a constantly changing series of planes; helical.
Spiral
Coiling around an axis in a constantly changing series of planes; helical.
Spiralled
(Printing) Relating to or having a spiral binding
A spiral notebook.
Spiral
(Printing) Relating to or having a spiral binding
A spiral notebook.
Spiralled
To take a spiral form or course.
Spiral
To take a spiral form or course.
Spiralled
To rise or fall with steady acceleration.
Spiral
To rise or fall with steady acceleration.
Spiralled
To cause to take a spiral form or course.
Spiral
To cause to take a spiral form or course.
Spiralled
Simple past tense and past participle of spiral
Spiral
(geometry) A curve that is the locus of a point that rotates about a fixed point while continuously increasing its distance from that point. Category:en:Curves
Spiral
(informal) A helix.
Spiral
A self-sustaining process with a lot of momentum involved, so it is difficult to accelerate or stop it at once.
Spiral
(rail) A section of track that forms a circle and crosses over itself, used for gaining height in mountainous territory.
Spiral
Helical, like a spiral.
Spiral
(intransitive) To move along the path of a spiral or helix.
Spiral
(transitive) To cause something to spiral.
Spiral
To increase continually.
Spiral
Winding or circling round a center or pole and gradually receding from it; as, the spiral curve of a watch spring.
Spiral
Winding round a cylinder or imaginary axis, and at the same time rising or advancing forward; winding like the thread of a screw; helical.
Spiral
Of or pertaining to a spiral; like a spiral.
Spiral
A plane curve, not reëntrant, described by a point, called the generatrix, moving along a straight line according to a mathematical law, while the line is revolving about a fixed point called the pole. Cf. Helix.
Spiral
Anything which has a spiral form, as a spiral shell.
Spiral
A plane curve traced by a point circling about the center but at ever-greater distances from it
Spiral
A curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle
Spiral
Ornament consisting of a curve on a plane that winds around a center with an increasing distance from the center
Spiral
A structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops;
A coil of rope
Spiral
Flying downward in a helical path with a large radius
Spiral
To wind or move in a spiral course;
The muscles and nerves of his fine drawn body were coiling for action
Black smoke coiling up into the sky
The young people gyrated on the dance floor
Spiral
Form a spiral;
The path spirals up the mountain
Spiral
Move in a spiral or zigzag course
Spiral
In the shape of a coil
Common Curiosities
What is an example of something that has spiralled?
An example would be a situation where prices or emotions have spiralled out of control.
What does it mean when something has spiralled?
It typically refers to moving in a spiral pattern or experiencing a rapid increase or decrease.
What are common examples of spirals in nature?
Examples include the shapes of galaxies and the patterns in shells and flowers.
What is a spiral?
A spiral is a curve that winds around a fixed point at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance.
Can 'spiral' be used as a verb?
Yes, 'spiral' can also be used as a verb meaning to move in a spiral course.
How can 'spiral' be used to describe economic conditions?
It can describe a situation where the economy is continually going down or improving in a cyclic manner.
What is the difference between 'spiral' as a noun and as a verb?
As a noun, it refers to the shape or pattern itself; as a verb, it describes the action of following this pattern.
Can the term 'spiral' refer to emotional or psychological states?
Yes, it can describe someone’s mental or emotional state deteriorating or improving in a continuous cycle.
Does 'spiral' have any specific uses in technology?
Yes, in technology, 'spiral' can describe the pattern of certain algorithms or design structures.
How is the word 'spiral' used in mathematics?
In mathematics, 'spiral' refers to specific types of curves such as the Archimedean or logarithmic spiral.
Is 'spiralled' always negative?
While often used in negative contexts, 'spiralled' can describe any rapid movement following a spiral pattern, not just negative.
Can both 'spiral' and 'spiralled' be used metaphorically?
Yes, both terms are commonly used metaphorically to describe processes of change, though 'spiralled' implies a quicker, more uncontrollable change.
What does 'spiralled' imply in a literary context?
It typically describes a plot or character development that follows an increasingly complex or intense trajectory.
In what situations is 'spiralled' used in sports?
It's often used to describe movements in sports, like a football being thrown in a spiralling motion.
What does it mean to say a conversation spiralled?
It means the conversation quickly became uncontrollable or deviated from the original topic.
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
