Linear: meaning, definitions and examples

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linear

[ˈlɪnɪər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

mathematics

arranged in or extending along a straight or nearly straight line.

Synonyms

direct, rectilinear, straight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
linear	Used when referring to something that follows a straight line or has a sequential progression, especially in mathematics or physics. The graph shows a linear relationship between time and speed The storyline of the book is linear, moving from past to present without any flashbacks
straight	Used in everyday language to describe something that does not bend or curve. Can also imply honesty or straightforwardness. Draw a straight line across the page He was very straight with his feedback
direct	Appropriate for situations that involve straightforwardness or a lack of deviation, often related to communication or routes. He gave a direct answer to the question The route from the house to the office is the most direct one
rectilinear	Commonly used in scientific or technical discussions to describe motion or structures that are straight and follow perpendicular lines. The rectilinear motion of the pendulum is predictable The building’s design incorporates many rectilinear patterns

Examples of usage

The graph shows a linear relationship between x and y.
The linear equation can be represented in the form y = mx + b.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

physics

relating to a system of straight lines.

Synonyms

direct, rectilinear, straight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
linear	Used to describe something arranged in or extending along a straight line, or developments and processes that progress in sequential steps without deviation. The story had a linear progression from beginning to end The data was plotted on a linear graph
straight	Used to describe something without bends or curves, or to describe honest and straightforward behavior. He drew a straight line on the paper She gave him a straight answer without hesitation
direct	Often used to describe an approach or communication style that is straightforward, honest, and without detours or secondary steps. Her boss appreciated her direct communication style He took the most direct route to the city center
rectilinear	Commonly used in technical or scientific contexts to describe something consisting of straight lines or moving in a straight path. The robot's movements were entirely rectilinear The architect designed a rectilinear building

Examples of usage

The motion of the object can be described by linear equations.
Linear momentum is a vector quantity.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

mathematics

a linear equation.

Synonyms

equation, expression, formula.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
linear	Used to describe something that progresses or develops in a straight line or sequential order. The relationship between the variables is linear, meaning as one increases, the other does too in a direct proportion. The teacher explained the concept of linear growth in the mathematics class.
equation	Typically used in mathematics to describe a statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, often containing one or more variables. To solve the equation, you need to isolate the variable on one side. The quadratic equation has two solutions.
formula	Used to describe a concise way of expressing information symbolically, often seen in mathematics, science, and engineering. It also can refer to a recipe or method for achieving something. The area of a rectangle can be calculated using the formula: length multiplied by width. He followed the tried-and-true formula for writing a successful novel.
expression	In mathematics, it refers to a combination of symbols and operators that represent a value but does not assert equality. Can also refer to showing or manifesting feelings, ideas, etc. Simplify the algebraic expression before solving the problem. Her facial expression showed she was deeply moved by the speech.

Examples of usage

To solve the system of equations, we need to write them in the form of linear equations.
The linear function passes through the origin.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

'Linear' comes from the Latin word 'linearis', meaning ‘belonging to a line’.
It entered the English language in the early 19th century, often used in mathematics and science.
The concept of linearity is fundamental in geometry, describing shapes and their relationships.

Mathematics

In math, linear equations are simple expressions that create straight lines when graphed.
Linear functions have a consistent rate of change, which means they increase or decrease steadily.
The study of vectors often involves linear combinations, a method to combine multiple directions.

Art and Design

In art, linear perspective is a technique used to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface.
Many modern artists use linear forms and shapes to depict movement and change.
Designers often apply linear grids in layouts to create order and clarity in visual presentations.

Physics

In physics, linear motion refers to movement in a straight line, a fundamental concept in classical mechanics.
Linear relationships are often described in graphs, where one variable directly affects another.
Hooke's Law describes linear elastic behavior, stating that the force needed to extend or compress a spring is directly proportional to the distance.

Culture

Cultural narratives can be linear, where stories follow a straightforward progression from beginning to end.
Many ancient cultures shared linear timelines, documenting historical events in sequential order.
In film and literature, a linear plot structure is common, guiding the audience through events in a predictable manner.

Translations

Translations of the word "linear" in other languages:

🇵🇹 linear

🇮🇳 रेखीय

🇩🇪 linear

🇮🇩 linear

🇺🇦 лінійний

🇵🇱 liniowy

🇯🇵 線形

🇫🇷 linéaire

🇪🇸 lineal

🇹🇷 doğrusal

🇰🇷 선형

🇸🇦 خطّي

🇨🇿 lineární

🇸🇰 lineárny

🇨🇳 线性的

🇸🇮 linearen

🇮🇸 línulegur

🇰🇿 сызықтық

🇬🇪 ხაზოვანი

🇦🇿 xətti

🇲🇽 lineal

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,081, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2078 practically
2079 permission
2080 prescribed
2081 linear
2082 slight
2083 purchased
2084 carrier
...