spatial
SPAY-shuhl
Spatial (adj) means relating to space, position, area, or the way things are arranged in relation to one another. Example: “The puzzle tests your spatial awareness by asking you to rotate shapes in your mind.”
adj
1
Relating to space, position, area, or the way things are arranged in relation to one another.
"The puzzle tests your spatial awareness by asking you to rotate shapes in your mind."
"Architects need strong spatial reasoning to plan how rooms fit together."
"Pilots need excellent spatial skills to judge distances in the dark."
How to use spatial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving to do with space and how things are positioned or shaped within it.
Common pairings
spatial awareness
spatial reasoning
spatial relationship
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The puzzle tests your _____ awareness by asking you to rotate shapes in your mind.
Etymology
From Latin spatium, "space," plus the adjective ending -al.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
nonspatial
Related words
Rhymes for spatial
See all rhymes for spatial →Frequently asked questions
What does “spatial” mean?
The word “spatial” means relating to space, position, area, or the way things are arranged in relation to one another. In plain terms, having to do with space and how things are positioned or shaped within it.
How do you pronounce “spatial”?
“Spatial” is pronounced SPAY-shuhl (/ˈspeɪ.ʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “spatial” in a sentence?
Here is “spatial” used in a sentence: “The puzzle tests your spatial awareness by asking you to rotate shapes in your mind.”
What is another word for “spatial”?
Words with a similar meaning to “spatial” include spatio-.
What part of speech is “spatial”?
“Spatial” is an adjective.
Where does the word “spatial” come from?
The word “spatial” comes from Latin. From Latin spatium, "space," plus the adjective ending -al.
Is “spatial” a common word?
“Spatial” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
What is the difference between spatial and special?
Spatial and special are commonly confused because they sound similar, but spatial relates to space, position, and arrangement, while special means distinctive or exceptional. For example, "spatial awareness" concerns understanding physical space, whereas "special awareness" would not make the same sense.
Is spatial used mainly in science and technical writing?
Spatial appears frequently in technical, scientific, and design contexts, such as spatial data, spatial awareness, or spatial reasoning, but it also shows up in everyday descriptions of how things are arranged in a room or space.
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