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spiral

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈspaɪrəl/

KK: /ˈspaɪrəl/

adjective
Definition

Having a shape that curves around a central point, getting closer or further away as it goes around.


Example

The staircase had a beautiful spiral design that made it look elegant.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you seen my new notebook?
Sloth B
Yeah, I love the spiral binding on it!
Sloth A
Thanks! It makes it easier to flip through the pages.
Sloth B
Absolutely, it's a great design for taking notes.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
coiling
twisting
helical
Antonyms
straight
linear
flat
intransitive verb
Definition

To move in a circular and upward or downward path, often resembling a spiral shape.


Example

The smoke spiraled up into the sky.


Tense Forms

Past: spiraled

Past Participle: spiraled


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how the kite spiraled up into the sky?
Sloth B
Yeah, it looked amazing!
Sloth A
I wish I could make mine spiral like that.
Sloth B
noun
Definition

A shape that curves around a central point, getting closer or farther away as it goes around, like a coil or a helix.


Example

The artist painted a beautiful spiral of colors in the sky.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever noticed how the smoke from the fire makes a beautiful spiral?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's mesmerizing to watch it drift up into the air.
Sloth A
I find it relaxing, almost like a spiral of thoughts in my mind.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To make something move in a circular and upward or downward direction, like a spiral shape.


Example

The artist decided to spiral the ribbon around the pole for decoration.


Tense Forms

Past: spiraled

Past Participle: spiraled


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how she made that ribbon spiral around the gift?
Sloth B
Yeah, it looked really pretty and unique!
Sloth A
I want to learn how to spiral things like that for my next party.
Root Explanation

Spiral → It is derived from the Latin word "spira" (meaning coil or twist) and the suffix "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The word "spiral" refers to something that pertains to a coiling or twisting shape.

Memory Tip

Imagine a shape that 'coils' ('spira') around itself — that's what a spiral looks like.

Visually Confused Words
unspiral
sprawl
sporal
spital
spinal
spical
espial
unispiral
Is this page helpful?
With practice, I'm sure you'll get the hang of it!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
twist
curl
coil
Antonyms
straighten
flatten
descend
Exactly! Sometimes I just sit and let my mind spiral away.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
coil
twist
helix
Antonyms
straight
line
flat
Sloth B
You should! It adds such a nice touch to decorations.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
twist
curl
coil
Antonyms
straighten
unwind
flatten