Horizontal: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that is parallel to the horizon or ground, often in technical, scientific, or engineering contexts.

• The picture should be hung in a horizontal position.
• The table is set up horizontally.

Used to describe something that is even, without any slope, often referring to surfaces or layers. It can also refer to stages or ranks in various contexts.

• Check if the floor is level before installing tiles.
• He reached a new level in his career.

This term describes a surface that is smooth and even, without raised areas or indentations. It can be used in general situations to describe surfaces, objects, and areas.

• She laid the paper flat on the table.
• The landscape is flat and featureless.

Describes lines or surfaces that are equidistant from each other at all points and never intersect. It is often used in mathematical, geometric, or engineering contexts.

• The highway runs parallel to the river.
• Draw two parallel lines on the paper.

When describing something that is aligned with the horizon or lies flat in regard to the ground.

• The artist made sure the lines were perfectly horizontal
• The bookshelf must be horizontal to prevent things from falling off

Primarily used to describe something that is even and stable, often used in construction or to refer to an equal plane.

• Make sure the picture frames are level on the wall
• The ground must be level before laying the foundation

When describing a surface without any bumps, dents, or elevations; also can be used metaphorically to describe something that is uninteresting or lacking in variation.

• The carpenter ensured the table top was completely flat
• Her voice was flat and monotone, putting everyone to sleep

When describing two or more lines or objects that are the same distance apart along their entire length and never meet.

• The train tracks run parallel to each other
• The two roads are parallel and will never intersect

Use this when describing something that is aligned with the horizon or ground. It is often used in technical or scientific contexts.

• The shelves must be perfectly horizontal to ensure stability.
• The technician adjusted the beam to a horizontal position.

This term is most commonly used when referring to something that is even or balanced, particularly with reference to measurements or tools.

• Make sure the table is level before you start writing.
• They used a spirit level to check the slope of the floor.

This word is ideal for everyday situations when describing something without bumps or curves. It implies smoothness and evenness.

• He slept on a flat surface to avoid back pain.
• She needs a flat area to set up her workspace.

This is used to describe lines or planes that are equally distant from each other at all points and never meet, often in geometric or technical contexts.

• The train tracks must be parallel to ensure safety.
• Make sure the lines on the graph are parallel.