OpenEtymology

angle

UKˈæŋɡl̩USˈæŋɡəl

Meaning

1n

the space (usually measured in degrees) between two intersecting lines or surfaces at or close to the point where they meet.

2n

a particular way of approaching or considering an issue or problem.

3v

to present (information) from a particular perspective, especially in a biased or slanted way.

4v

to fish with a hook and line.

Usage

The interior angles of a triangle always add up to 180 degrees.

We need to consider this problem from a different angle.

The article was clearly angled to support the government's position.

Etymology

The word 'angle' entered English from Old French, tracing back to the Latin 'angulus', meaning a corner or a bend. Its ultimate origin is obscure, but it is often connected to the Proto-Indo-European root ank- meaning 'to bend', which also gave rise to the Greek word for 'bent' or 'crooked'. This core idea of a bend or a sharp turn evolved logically into the geometric concept of the space between two intersecting lines. From this concrete, spatial meaning, the word later developed more abstract senses, such as a particular way of viewing a situation, metaphorically suggesting a specific 'corner' or direction from which to consider something.

Analysis

The word 'angle' is a simplex word. It is a loanword from Old French 'angle', which came from Latin 'angulus' meaning 'corner'. The Latin term is of uncertain origin but is possibly related to Greek 'ankylos' meaning 'bent, crooked'.

Angle Etymology, Origin & Meaning | wordDNA