lateral
2 synonyms and 2 antonyms for lateral, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Relating to, or situated at, the side of something.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use lateral
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin laterālis, "belonging to the side", from latus ("the side, flank").
Full origin of lateral →Frequently asked questions
What does “lateral” mean?
The word “lateral” means relating to, or situated at, the side of something. In plain terms, to do with the side of something, or a sideways move — literal or in thinking/career terms.
How do you pronounce “lateral”?
“Lateral” is pronounced LAT-ruhl (/ˈlætəɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “lateral” in a sentence?
Here is “lateral” used in a sentence: “The surgeon made a lateral incision along the knee.”
What is the opposite of “lateral”?
The opposite of “lateral” — its antonyms — are longitudinal and vertical.
What part of speech is “lateral”?
Depending on how it is used, “lateral” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lateral” come from?
The word “lateral” comes from Latin. From Latin laterālis, "belonging to the side", from latus ("the side, flank").
Is “lateral” a common word?
“Lateral” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lateral” have?
“Lateral” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to, or situated at, the side of something.
What is the difference between lateral and horizontal?
Lateral specifically means relating to or situated at the side of something, while horizontal describes any flat, level orientation regardless of side placement. Something can be horizontal without being lateral, but lateral movement usually implies sideways motion relative to a central axis.
What is a lateral in American football?
A lateral is a sideways pass thrown to a teammate, as opposed to a forward pass. Unlike a forward pass, a lateral can be legally thrown from anywhere on the field and any player who catches it can continue advancing the ball.