circular definition: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “circular definition” mean?
A definition that repeats the term being defined in its own explanation, creating an uninformative loop.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A definition that repeats the term being defined in its own explanation, creating an uninformative loop.
In logic, a fallacy where a term is defined using the term itself or a synonym, offering no new information. In lexicography, it's a flawed dictionary entry that requires prior understanding of the word. In practical contexts, it describes any reasoning or explanation that fails to progress because it relies on its own premise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant variation in meaning. The structure is universally used in academic and critical discourse.
Connotations
Universally pejorative, implying a logical error, laziness in thinking, or a failure to provide genuine explanation.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech. Almost exclusively found in academic, philosophical, lexicographical, or technical writing and critique.
Grammar
How to Use “circular definition” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a circular definition of X.[Subject] provides/offers a circular definition.To define X as Y is circular.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “circular definition” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The author circularly defines the key term.
- One must be careful not to circularly define a primitive concept.
American English
- The theory circularly defines 'intelligence' through its own measures.
- They were accused of circularly defining the problem.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically in strategy critiques: 'Our goal to increase market share by being the most popular brand is a circular definition of success.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, linguistics, logic, and social sciences to critique foundational concepts or methodological flaws.
Everyday
Very rare. Could be used in intellectual discussions: 'Saying a good film is one that is enjoyable is a bit of a circular definition.'
Technical
Core term in logic, lexicography, and semantics for identifying a specific type of definitional error.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “circular definition”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “circular definition”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “circular definition”
- Using it to mean 'a definition that is roundabout or long-winded' rather than strictly self-referential.
- Confusing it with 'circular reasoning', which is a broader argumentative fallacy of which a circular definition is one type.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In formal logic and lexicography, yes, as it fails to explain. However, in some philosophical contexts regarding primitive concepts, it may be argued as unavoidable, but it is still recognised as a limitation rather than a virtue.
A circular definition is a specific error in defining a term. Circular reasoning (begging the question) is a broader argumentative fallacy where the conclusion is assumed in one of the premises. A circular definition can be the basis for circular reasoning.
Yes, especially in older or smaller dictionaries. Modern lexicography strives to avoid this by defining words within a controlled 'defining vocabulary' of simpler words, creating a non-circular network of meanings.
Ensure the defining phrase does not contain the word being defined or a direct synonym. Use simpler, more fundamental concepts. Test the definition by asking if someone completely unfamiliar with the term could understand it from your explanation alone.
A definition that repeats the term being defined in its own explanation, creating an uninformative loop.
Circular definition is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Circular definition: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɜː.kjə.lə ˌdef.ɪˈnɪʃ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɝː.kjə.lɚ ˌdef.ɪˈnɪʃ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Defining 'knowledge' as 'justified true belief' is not circular, but defining 'belief' as 'a state of knowing' would be.”
- “The dictionary entry was criticised for going in a definitional circle.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A CIRCULAR definition goes in a CIRCLE, ending where it started: 'A circle is... a circular shape.'
Conceptual Metaphor
LOGICAL PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION / A CIRCULAR DEFINITION IS GOING IN CIRCLES (non-progressive, wasted effort).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a classic example of a circular definition?