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Line: meaning, definitions and examples

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line

 

[laɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

communication

A long, narrow mark or band.

Synonyms

streak, stripe, stroke.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
line

Used to describe a long, narrow mark or band, usually in everyday or general contexts.

  • She drew a line on the paper
  • The children stood in line to enter the museum
stroke

Used to describe a single movement of a brush, pen, or tool when making a mark, often in the context of art or writing.

  • The artist made a bold stroke on the canvas
  • She crossed out the error with a single stroke of her pen
stripe

Used to describe a long, narrow band of color, typically found on clothing, animals, or other objects.

  • The shirt has blue and white stripes
  • The zebra is known for its black and white stripes
streak

Used to describe a long, thin mark that is different in color or texture from its surroundings, often in the context of stains or light.

  • There was a streak of dirt on the window
  • The comet left a streak of light in the sky

Examples of usage

  • Draw a straight line on the paper.
  • There was a long line of people waiting outside the store.
  • The line on the horizon seemed to stretch to infinity.
Context #2 | Noun

queue

A row of people or vehicles waiting for their turn.

Synonyms

file, lineup, queue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
line

Used to denote a series of people or things arranged in a straight row, often for organizational purposes or waiting for something.

  • The students stood in a line to enter the classroom.
  • There was a long line at the checkout counter.
queue

Commonly used in British English to describe people or vehicles waiting in line, often in a more formal or structured way. Can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation when emphasizing waiting or delays.

  • They had to queue for hours outside the theater.
  • The airport security queue was very long.
lineup

Typically describes an arrangement of people or objects in a specific order, often related to events, performances, or investigations.

  • The music festival has an impressive lineup of artists.
  • The police asked her to identify the suspect from a lineup.
file

Often used in a more formal or organized setting, especially to describe people or things arranged one after another, such as in a clerical or military context.

  • The soldiers marched in single file.
  • Please place all the documents in the correct file.

Examples of usage

  • We stood in line for hours to get tickets to the concert.
  • The line at the grocery store was moving slowly.
  • There was a long line of cars on the highway.
Context #3 | Verb

marking

To cover the inner surface of (something) with a layer.

Synonyms

coat, cover, overlay.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
line

Used when referring to drawing or marking a long, narrow mark or band. Also used when referring to a queue of people or things.

  • He drew a straight line on the paper
  • There was a long line at the amusement park
cover

General term for placing something over or on top of something else to protect it, conceal it, or hide it.

  • He used a blanket to cover himself
  • Make sure to cover your mouth when you sneeze
coat

Used when talking about applying a thin layer of a substance over something, especially in terms of painting or cooking.

  • She coated the cake with a thin layer of icing
  • The walls were coated with a fresh layer of paint
overlay

Used when referring to placing something on top of something else, especially when it is transparent or semi-transparent, so both layers are visible.

  • The designer overlaid the text on the image
  • They overlaid the map with dotted lines to show the routes

Examples of usage

  • You need to line the baking pan with parchment paper before pouring the batter.
  • The walls were lined with bookshelves.
  • She lined her eyes with black eyeliner.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'line' comes from the Latin word 'linea,' meaning 'linen thread' or 'string'.
  • Over time, the meaning expanded to include anything that resembles a straight path or mark.
  • In old French, 'line' evolved to describe a straight mark, further shaping how we understand the word today.

Mathematics

  • In geometry, a line is defined as a straight one-dimensional figure that extends infinitely in both directions.
  • Lines can represent relationships in algebra, where they are often graphed on a coordinate plane.
  • A line can have different characteristics, like being horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, affecting its interaction with other shapes.

Art

  • Artists use lines to create drawings; they can express movement, energy, and emotions depending on their thickness and style.
  • In art, outlines often define shapes, while loose lines can suggest texture or depth.
  • The famous artist Pablo Picasso often created entire works using only simple lines, demonstrating their power in visual storytelling.

Literature

  • In poetry, a line refers to a single row of words that may have a particular rhythm or meter.
  • Famous lines from literature are often quoted or referenced, showcasing their importance in conveying themes and emotions.
  • Writers sometimes play with the concept of 'lines' to explore boundaries, limits, and connections between characters.

Technology

  • In programming, 'line' can refer to a line of code, which is a single instruction that a computer can execute.
  • Graphical interfaces use lines to connect objects, creating a visual representation of relationships, such as in flowcharts or network diagrams.
  • Telecommunication lines represent the physical connections that allow data to travel over distances, crucial for internet and phone services.

Translations

Translations of the word "line" in other languages:

🇵🇹 linha

🇮🇳 रेखा

🇩🇪 Linie

🇮🇩 garis

🇺🇦 лінія

🇵🇱 linia

🇯🇵 線 (せん)

🇫🇷 ligne

🇪🇸 línea

🇹🇷 çizgi

🇰🇷 선 (선)

🇸🇦 خط

🇨🇿 čára

🇸🇰 čiara

🇨🇳 线 (xiàn)

🇸🇮 črta

🇮🇸 lína

🇰🇿 сызық

🇬🇪 ხაზი

🇦🇿 xətt

🇲🇽 línea

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #178, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.