angle
angle Lexical Profile
angle Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The space, typically measured in degrees, between two intersecting lines or surfaces at or close to the point where they meet.
"The carpenter measured the corner to ensure the two wooden beams met at a precise ninety-degree angle."
A particular way of approaching, considering, or viewing an issue, problem, or subject.
"The investigative journalist decided to approach the economic story from a human-interest angle."
A Physical position or direction from which an object is viewed or toward which something is directed.
"From this angle, you can clearly see the snow-capped peaks rising behind the valley."
• verb
To direct, tilt, or incline something at a specific slant or position rather than straight on.
"She angled her desk lamp toward the notebook so she could read without straining her eyes."
To present information, a report, or an argument with a particular bias or toward a specific audience.
"The marketing team angled their presentation toward budget-conscious small business owners."
To seek to obtain something indirectly through hinting, scheming, or subtle manipulation.
"He spent the entire meeting complimenting the director, clearly angling for a promotion."
To fish using a hook and line.
"They spent a quiet Saturday morning angling for trout along the riverbank."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently confused in spelling with 'angel' (a spiritual being); 'angle' ends in '-le' and refers to a geometric corner, perspective, or fishing.
• Rhymes for angle
Word Origin & Etymology
The geometric sense derives via Old French from Latin 'angulus', meaning 'corner'. The fishing sense comes from a separate Old English word, 'angel', meaning 'fishhook', which shares a deep Indo-European root meaning 'to bend'.