adj
linear
LIHN-ee-uh
adj
1
Arranged in or resembling a straight line.
"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.
"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.
"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
Word Forms
more linear comparative, most linear superlative
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The garden had a _____ layout of beds running the length of the yard.
Etymology
From Latin linearis, from linea ("line"); a doublet of lineal.