circularize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Business, Technical
Quick answer
What does “circularize” mean?
To send information, typically a letter or document, to a large number of people.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To send information, typically a letter or document, to a large number of people.
To make something known widely; to canvass or solicit responses from a group; also, in physics, to make an orbit circular.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK prefers '-ise' ending (circularise), US prefers '-ize' (circularize). The '-ize' form is also accepted in some UK academic styles. The physics/astronomy usage is more common in US technical writing.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties for the communication sense. The physics sense carries a purely technical connotation.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in formal business contexts in both varieties. Very rare in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “circularize” in a Sentence
[Subject] + circularize + [Direct Object (e.g., a document)] + to/among [Recipients][Subject] + circularize + [Recipients] + with [Document]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “circularize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council will circularise residents about the new recycling scheme.
- We need to circularise the minutes to the committee.
American English
- The company will circularize its stockholders prior to the annual meeting.
- The agency circularized a bulletin to all field offices.
adverb
British English
- N/A (not standard as adverb)
- N/A
American English
- N/A (not standard as adverb)
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (not standard as adjective; use 'circular')
- N/A
American English
- N/A (not standard as adjective; use 'circular')
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The board voted to circularize all investors with the merger proposal.
Academic
The researchers plan to circularize a questionnaire to the selected cohort.
Everyday
Rarely used. One might say 'They sent a letter round to everyone' instead.
Technical
The mission's goal is to circularize the satellite's orbit at 400 km altitude.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “circularize”
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'The news circularized quickly' – use 'circulated').
- Confusing it with 'circulate' (which is more general and common).
- Misspelling as 'circulize' or 'circualrize'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both can be found. 'Circularise' (-ise) is the more common British spelling, but '-ize' is also accepted, especially in academic or formal publishing following Oxford style.
'Circulate' is broader and more common, meaning to move or cause to move around. 'Circularize' is more specific, meaning to send information *to a defined group* systematically, often for a response. 'Circulate a rumour' vs. 'Circularize a questionnaire'.
It is very rare in everyday, informal speech. Simpler verbs like 'send out', 'pass around', or 'distribute' are almost always preferred.
Primarily, yes. Its core meaning is sending documents/information. However, it has a distinct, specialized meaning in physics/astronomy: to make an orbit circular.
To send information, typically a letter or document, to a large number of people.
Circularize is usually formal, business, technical in register.
Circularize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɜː.kjə.lə.raɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɝː.kjə.lə.raɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. Related to 'circular file' (humorous for wastebasket).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CIRCULAR being sent to a large CIRCLE of people, making the action 'circularize'.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS AN OBJECT THAT IS SENT IN A CIRCULAR PATH.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'circularize' LEAST likely to be used?