circulate Meaning & Definition
What Does Circulate Mean?
Circulate is used as a verb meaning To move in circles or through a circuit. It is also used to mean To cause (a person or thing) to move in circles or through a circuit.
Word Facts for Circulate
| Part of speech | verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈsɜː.kjʊˌleɪt/ |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Synonyms | disseminate, propagate and disperse |
| Verb forms | circulates, circulating, circulated |
Circulate Definition (Verb)
- To move in circles or through a circuit.
- To cause (a person or thing) to move in circles or through a circuit.
- To move from person to person, as at a party.
- To spread or disseminate.
to circulate money or gossip
- To become widely known.
- Of decimals: to repeat.
a circulating decimal
Synonyms of Circulate
Circulate in a Sentence
to circulate money or gossip
a circulating decimal
Word Forms & Grammar
circulate (third-person singular simple present circulates, present participle circulating, simple past and past participle circulated)
Words That Rhyme With Circulate
Origin of Circulate
Borrowed from Late Latin circulātus, perfect passive participle of Late Latin circulō (“to make circular, encircle”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), a later collateral form of circulor (“form a circle (of men) around oneself”), from circulus (“a circle”). See also Middle English circulat(e) (“(alchemy) changed by continuous distillation in a closed vessel”).
Pronouncing Circulate
Circulate is pronounced /ˈsɜː.kjʊˌleɪt/ and has 3 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (sɜː).
Frequently Asked Questions About Circulate
What part of speech is circulate?
Circulate is a verb.
What is another word for circulate?
Close synonyms of circulate are disseminate, propagate and disperse. See the full list of circulate synonyms and antonyms.
What is the past tense of circulate?
The past tense of circulate is circulated. The present participle is circulating.