Lateraled: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'lateralis' which means 'of the side.'
• It first appeared in English around the 16th century, with roots in anatomy and movement.
• In sports, the term is often used to describe a pass made to a teammate running alongside.

Sports

• In American football, a 'lateral' is a type of pass where the ball is thrown backwards or parallel to the line of scrimmage.
• This technique is crucial during team plays as it can open up new strategies for scoring.
• Some famous plays in sports history have relied on effective laterals to outmaneuver opponents.

Psychology

• The concept of lateral thinking, related to the word, involves solving problems through an indirect and creative approach.
• It encourages looking at situations from different angles, similar to how one might 'lateral' an idea in a discussion.
• Exercise in lateral thinking can enhance cognitive flexibility and innovation.

Education

• Teachers may use lateral methods in group projects, promoting collaboration by passing ideas 'laterally' between students.
• The technique can help students learn to communicate and share information more effectively.
• Educational approaches often emphasize lateral thinking to develop critical problem-solving skills.

Business

• In business, lateral movement might refer to job shifts within the same level of the organization, enhancing skills without changing positions.
• Lateral thinking is encouraged in brainstorming sessions to generate unique solutions and ideas.
• Businesses often adopt lateral strategies to adapt to changing markets, promoting agility and responsiveness.