linear
LIHN-ee-uh
Linear (adj) means Arranged in or resembling a straight line. Example: “The linear row of lamps along the path lit our way home.”
adj
1
Arranged in or resembling a straight line.
"The linear row of lamps along the path lit our way home."
"Many old villages grew in a linear pattern beside the main road."
"The garden had a linear layout of beds running the length of the yard."
2
Progressing in a single, step-by-step sequence rather than jumping around.
"Her essay was clear because the argument followed a linear order from start to finish."
"The course follows a linear path from beginner to advanced topics."
"The movie tells its story in a strictly linear way."
3
In mathematics, relating to an equation or relationship of degree one, producing a straight-line graph.
"In a linear equation, the highest power of the unknown is one."
"Students plotted the linear function and got a perfectly straight line on the graph."
"The two variables have a linear relationship."
How to use linear
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStraight-line-like, or happening in a fixed, one-after-another order.
Common mistake
Don't confuse mathematical "linear" (a straight-line relationship) with just "simple" — a linear equation can still be complex with many variables.
Common pairings
linear progression
linear relationship
non-linear
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more linear
- Superlative
- most linear
Fill the gap
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The _____ row of lamps along the path lit our way home.
Etymology
From Latin linearis, from linea ("line"); a doublet of lineal.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for linear
See all rhymes for linear →Frequently asked questions
What does “linear” mean?
The word “linear” means arranged in or resembling a straight line. In plain terms, straight-line-like, or happening in a fixed, one-after-another order.
How do you pronounce “linear”?
“Linear” is pronounced LIHN-ee-uh (/ˈlɪn.i.əɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “linear” in a sentence?
Here is “linear” used in a sentence: “The garden had a linear layout of beds running the length of the yard.”
What is another word for “linear”?
Words with a similar meaning to “linear” include linelike.
What is the opposite of “linear”?
The opposite of “linear” — its antonyms — is nonlinear.
What part of speech is “linear”?
“Linear” is an adjective.
Where does the word “linear” come from?
The word “linear” comes from Latin. From Latin linearis, from linea ("line"); a doublet of lineal.
Is “linear” a common word?
“Linear” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between linear and nonlinear?
Linear means arranged in a straight line or progressing in a single, step-by-step sequence. Nonlinear is the opposite, describing something that does not follow a straight line or that jumps around rather than moving in strict order.
What is the difference between 'linear' and 'lineal'?
Linear refers to something arranged in or resembling a straight line, or to a step-by-step sequence. Lineal, though similar in spelling, usually refers to direct descent in a family line, so the two words are not interchangeable.
What is the opposite of linear?
The main opposite of linear is nonlinear, meaning not arranged in a straight line or not following a single ordered sequence. Words like 'curved,' 'scattered,' or 'random' can also serve as opposites depending on context.
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