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Diagonal: meaning, definitions and examples

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diagonal

 

[ daɪˈæɡənəl ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

geometry

Joining two nonadjacent vertices of a polygon or polyhedron.

Synonyms

crosswise, oblique, slanting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
diagonal

Use 'diagonal' in geometric or mathematical contexts when something is stretching between opposite corners of a shape.

  • Draw a diagonal line from the top left corner to the bottom right corner.
  • The chessboard has 8 rows, 8 columns, and many diagonals.
oblique

Use 'oblique' in a formal context to describe an angle that is not 90 degrees, or in a figurative sense when something is indirect or not straightforward.

  • The soldier approached the target at an oblique angle.
  • He made an oblique comment about her past.
slanting

Use 'slanting' to describe something that is tilted, leaning, or not straight, often in a more informal or descriptive context.

  • The roof of the house was slanting due to the heavy snow.
  • Her handwriting is neat, but the letters are somewhat slanting.
crosswise

Use 'crosswise' to describe something that forms a cross or goes across another thing, often at right angles.

  • Lay the strips of dough crosswise over the pie filling.
  • She cut the sandwich crosswise into small squares.

Examples of usage

  • The diagonal of a square divides it into two congruent right triangles.
  • The diagonal of a cube connects two opposite vertices.
Context #2 | Noun

mathematics

A straight line that connects two opposite corners of a shape, such as a square or rectangle.

Synonyms

crossway, oblique line, transversal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
diagonal

Used primarily in geometry and when describing angles or lines that run from one corner of a shape to another, usually creating an angle.

  • The line drawn was diagonal, connecting the top left corner to the bottom right corner.
  • She measured the diagonal length of the rectangle.
oblique line

Primarily used in geometry and more technical contexts, refers to a line that is at an angle and not perpendicular or parallel.

  • The graph shows an oblique line indicating non-linear growth.
  • She drew an oblique line across the paper.
transversal

Used in mathematics to describe a line that intersects two or more other lines, often in the context of angles and parallel lines.

  • The transversal cuts through two parallel lines, creating several angles.
  • In the diagram, label the angles formed by the transversal.
crossway

Typically used to describe a path that cuts across another path or area, often in the context of roads or pedestrian pathways.

  • The new crossway offers a shortcut through the park.
  • Pedestrians carefully crossed the busy crossway.

Examples of usage

  • The diagonal of a rectangle divides it into two right triangles.
  • The diagonal of a cube passes through the center of the cube.

Translations

Translations of the word "diagonal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 diagonal

🇮🇳 तिरछा

🇩🇪 diagonal

🇮🇩 diagonal

🇺🇦 діагональ

🇵🇱 diagonalna

🇯🇵 斜め (ななめ)

🇫🇷 diagonale

🇪🇸 diagonal

🇹🇷 çapraz

🇰🇷 대각선 (daegakseon)

🇸🇦 قطري (qutri)

🇨🇿 diagonální

🇸🇰 diagonálny

🇨🇳 对角线 (duìjiǎoxiàn)

🇸🇮 diagonala

🇮🇸 skálína

🇰🇿 диагональ

🇬🇪 დიაგონალი (diagônali)

🇦🇿 diagonal

🇲🇽 diagonal

Etymology

The word 'diagonal' originated from the Greek word 'diagonios', meaning 'from angle to angle'. The concept of diagonals has been used in geometry for centuries to describe the lines that connect opposite corners of shapes. Diagonals play a crucial role in various mathematical calculations and geometric properties.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,540 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.