[count] 1 a : the difference between the direction of two lines or surfaces that come together : the space or shape formed when two lines or surfaces meet each other
▪ The two lines form a sharp angle. = The two lines meet/intersect at a sharp angle (to each other). ▪ The two lines meet at a 30-degree angle to each other. = There is a 30-degree angle between the two lines. ▪ The lines are at sharp angles to each other. — see picture at geometry; see also right angle
b — used to describe a surface that is not level ▪ The hill slopes down/up at an angle of about 30 degrees.
c — used to describe something that leans or goes to the side rather than straight up or directly forward ▪ The pole stood at an angle. ▪ The road goes off at a sharp/slight angle to the right/left. ▪ The rays of light shone through the window at an angle. 2 : the position from which something is approached, looked at, etc.
▪ Critics love the clever camera angles the director used in the film. ▪ She took pictures of the same scene from several different angles. ▪ The soldiers were being attacked from every angle. 3 : a way of thinking about, describing, or discussing something
▪ We need to approach the problem from a new/different angle. ▪ They considered the question from all angles. ▪ The reporter tried to work that angle into his story. 4 chiefly US, informal a : a secret and often improper reason for doing something
▪ I don't trust that guy, but I can't figure out what his angle is yet.
b : a clever and often improper way of doing or getting something
▪ a salesman who's always looking for an angle [=looking for a way to convince people to buy the things he is selling]