diagonal
Diagonal (adj) means Slanted; running at an angle rather than straight up-and-down or side-to-side. Example: “She drew a diagonal line across the page to cross it out.”
How to use diagonal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSlanted, or a slanted line — the opposite of straight horizontal or vertical.
Word forms
diagonals plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She drew a _____ line across the page to cross it out.
Etymology
From Latin diagonalis, from Greek diagonios ("from angle to angle"), from dia- ("across") + gonia ("angle").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for diagonal
Frequently asked questions
What does “diagonal” mean?
The word “diagonal” means slanted; running at an angle rather than straight up-and-down or side-to-side. In plain terms, slanted, or a slanted line — the opposite of straight horizontal or vertical.
How do you pronounce “diagonal”?
“Diagonal” is pronounced deye-AG-nuhl (/daɪ̯ˈæɡ(ə)nəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “diagonal” in a sentence?
Here is “diagonal” used in a sentence: “She drew a diagonal line across the page to cross it out.”
What is another word for “diagonal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “diagonal” include slash.
What is the opposite of “diagonal”?
The opposite of “diagonal” — its antonyms — is backslash.
What part of speech is “diagonal”?
Depending on how it is used, “diagonal” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “diagonal” come from?
The word “diagonal” comes from Latin. From Latin diagonalis, from Greek diagonios ("from angle to angle"), from dia- ("across") + gonia ("angle").
Is “diagonal” a common word?
“Diagonal” is an uncommon word in modern English.