vertical
Vertical (adj) means standing straight up, at a right angle to the ground or to a horizontal line. Example: “The ladder needs to be perfectly vertical before you climb it.”
How to use vertical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPointing straight up and down, as opposed to horizontal; in business, a specific industry or niche.
Word forms
more vertical comparative, verticals plural, most vertical superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The ladder needs to be perfectly _____ before you climb it.
Etymology
From Late Latin verticalis, related to vertex, "the highest point" — from vertere, "to turn".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for vertical
See all rhymes for vertical →Frequently asked questions
What does “vertical” mean?
The word “vertical” means standing straight up, at a right angle to the ground or to a horizontal line. In plain terms, pointing straight up and down, as opposed to horizontal; in business, a specific industry or niche.
How do you pronounce “vertical”?
“Vertical” is pronounced VUR-tih-kuhl (/ˈvɝ.tɪ.kəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “vertical” in a sentence?
Here is “vertical” used in a sentence: “The ladder needs to be perfectly vertical before you climb it.”
What is the opposite of “vertical”?
The opposite of “vertical” — its antonyms — is horizontal.
What part of speech is “vertical”?
Depending on how it is used, “vertical” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “vertical” come from?
The word “vertical” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin verticalis, related to vertex, "the highest point" — from vertere, "to turn".
Is “vertical” a common word?
“Vertical” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “vertical” have?
“Vertical” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: standing straight up, at a right angle to the ground or to a horizontal line.
What is the difference between "vertical" and "horizontal"?
"Vertical" means standing straight up, at a right angle to the ground or to a horizontal line. "Horizontal" means running flat and level, parallel to the ground or the horizon. A flagpole is vertical, while the ground it stands on is horizontal.
What is the difference between "vertical" and "upright"?
"Vertical" is a precise, often technical term meaning at a right angle to the horizontal. "Upright" means standing on end in a roughly vertical position, and it is a more everyday word that can also imply "not lying down." Something can be upright without being perfectly vertical.
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