What is angle? Pronunciation and usage in English

angle means . Learn how to pronounce and use angle through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of angle

anglenoun

/ˈaŋɡl/
Definition & pronunciation of angle

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "angle" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈæŋɡəl/ (rhymes with "hang-ul")

Let's break it down further:

  • ˈ - This is the primary stress. It means the first syllable is emphasized.
  • æ - This is the "a" sound, like in "cat" or "hat." It's a short, open vowel.
  • ŋ - This is the "ng" sound, as in "sing" or "long." It's a nasal sound - the air comes out through your nose as you say it. Some people might find this tricky at first!
  • ɡəl - This part is fairly straightforward: "guh-l".

Here's a breakdown of how to say it, step by step:

  1. Say "ah" like in "cat."
  2. Add the "ng" sound (like in "sing"). Make sure you feel the air coming through your nose.
  3. Finish with "guh-l".

Resources to help you hear it:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some common variations (though the /ˈæŋɡəl/ pronunciation is most standard)?

Usage and examples with the word angle in English

Let's break down how to use the word "angle" – it's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here’s a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Geometry - The Most Common Meaning: A Measure of an Opening

  • Definition: This is the primary meaning most people think of. It refers to the amount of opening between two lines or surfaces that meet.
  • Examples:
    • "The angle of the roof is 30 degrees."
    • "The angle of the triangle is 90 degrees."
    • "He measured the angle between the streets."
    • "The surveyor used a protractor to find the angle of the land."

2. Position or Orientation

  • Definition: It can describe the direction something is pointing or positioned.
  • Examples:
    • "The picture is hung at a slight angle."
    • "He sat at an angle to the table." (Meaning he wasn’t facing straight forward)
    • “The detective followed a suspicious angle of inquiry.” (Meaning he investigated something in a particular, potentially deceptive, way)

3. A Method or Approach (Often with a slightly negative connotation)

  • Definition: This is where it gets trickier. “Angle” can mean a clever but often manipulative or dishonest approach to achieve something.
  • Examples:
    • "He used a sales angle to persuade her to buy the product." (Meaning he presented the product in a way that was designed to be persuasive, possibly exaggerating its benefits.)
    • "The politician was accused of using a misleading angle in his campaign speech." (Suggesting the speech wasn’t entirely truthful or straightforward.)
    • “Don’t try to angle for a promotion – just focus on doing your job well.” (Meaning don’t try to manipulate your way to a higher position)

4. A Sharp Edge or Corner

  • Definition: Refers to a point where two surfaces meet sharply.
  • Examples:
    • "The knife has a sharp angle."
    • “The building has a dramatic angle at its top."

5. Photography – The Angle of View

  • Definition: Refers to the perspective from which a photograph is taken.
  • Examples:
    • "The photographer adjusted the angle to get a better shot."
    • "A low angle makes the building look more imposing."

6. Phrases Using “Angle”

  • “To angle for something”: To try to get something by using a clever or manipulative approach (similar to #3).
  • “At an angle to…”: Positioned or oriented at an angle.
  • “Under an angle”: Concealed or hidden from view.

Tips for Choosing the Right Meaning:

  • Context is Key: The surrounding words and the situation will almost always indicate which meaning of “angle” is intended.
  • Consider the Tone: The “method/approach” meaning often carries a slightly negative connotation.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you thinking of when you want to use the word "angle"? (e.g., a math problem, a conversation about a job, describing a photograph?)

Synonyms for the word angle

Practice with vocabulary angle

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The photographer adjusted the camera to capture the perfect ____ for the sunset.
  2. She approached the problem from a different ____, which led to a creative solution.
  3. The math teacher explained how to measure the ____ of a triangle accurately.
  4. The diver descended at a sharp ____ to reach the ocean floor quickly.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word describes the direction from which something is viewed?
    a) perspective
    b) angle
    c) position
    d) viewpoint

  2. What term is used to measure the space between two intersecting lines?
    a) radius
    b) angle
    c) curve
    d) perimeter

  3. In photography, what word refers to the viewpoint or direction of the shot?
    a) frame
    b) angle
    c) focus
    d) lighting

  4. Which word means to tilt or lean in a particular direction?
    a) slope
    b) incline
    c) slant
    d) angle

  5. What term is used to describe the point where two lines meet?
    a) vertex
    b) intersection
    c) apex
    d) angle

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The journalist tried to examine the topic from a new point of view.
    (Rewrite using "angle")

  2. The engineer calculated the degree of separation between the two beams.
    (Rewrite using "angle")

  3. The meeting focused on addressing the issue from various perspectives.
    (Rewrite without using "angle")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. angle
  2. angle
  3. slope
  4. angle

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) angle
  2. b) angle
  3. b) angle
  4. c) slant
  5. b) intersection

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The journalist tried to examine the topic from a new angle.
  2. The engineer calculated the angle between the two beams.
  3. The meeting focused on addressing the issue from various viewpoints.

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