Angle
|an-gle|
/ˈæŋɡəl/
(angle)
intersection of lines
Etymology
'angle' originates from Old French 'angle' and Latin 'angulus', where 'angulus' meant 'corner' or 'bend'; English also has an Old English source 'angel' meaning 'fish-hook'.
'angle' in English reflects two related strands: Old English 'angel' (fish-hook) influenced the verb 'to angle' (to fish), while Old French 'angle' from Latin 'angulus' passed into Middle English as 'angle' meaning 'corner' and later produced the geometric sense.
Initially, related words meant 'hook' (Old English) and 'corner' (Latin/Old French); over time English developed separate senses such as 'corner/measurement of turn' and 'to fish' and the derived sense 'to try to obtain by maneuvering'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the figure formed by two rays or lines meeting at a common endpoint (vertex); measured in degrees or radians.
They measured the angle between the two lines.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a particular way of looking at or presenting something; a viewpoint or slant.
Try explaining the issue from a different angle.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 3
a corner, nook, or recess (often plural: angles).
Dust collected in the angles of the room.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to fish with a hook and line (intransitive).
Many villagers angle in the river for trout.
Synonyms
Verb 2
to try to obtain something by indirect, often crafty, means; to seek or maneuver for (often used with for).
She is angling for a promotion by volunteering for high-profile projects.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/08/31 23:42