adj C1 Advanced Common

linear

LIHN-ee-uh

Linear (adj) means Arranged in or resembling a straight line. Example: “The garden had a linear layout of beds running the length of the yard.”

adj

Arranged in or resembling a straight line.

"The garden had a linear layout of beds running the length of the yard."

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."

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 notes

In 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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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The garden had a _____ layout of beds running the length of the yard.

Etymology

From Latin linearis, from linea ("line"); a doublet of lineal.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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straight sequential direct consecutive one-dimensional ordered linelike

Antonyms

nonlinear

Related words

point head control lead officer straight focus train

Rhymes for linear

ear year dear hear tear bear wear near fear pear gear rear

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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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