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Orthogonally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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orthogonally

[ˌɔːrˈθɒɡ.ən.ə.li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

used in geometry or mathematics

At right angles.

Synonyms

perpendicularly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
orthogonally

Can also be used in a broader sense to describe concepts or ideas that are independent or non-overlapping. Often applied in computer science or systems engineering.

  • The two software components interact orthogonally, so changes in one do not affect the other
perpendicularly

Commonly used in everyday language or in more general scientific contexts to describe something positioned at right angles (90 degrees) to another surface or line.

  • The ladder was placed perpendicularly against the wall for stability

Examples of usage

  • The two lines intersect orthogonally.
  • The vector is orthogonal to the plane.
Context #2 | Adverb

used in everyday language

In a way that is unrelated or irrelevant.

Synonyms

irrelevantly, unrelatedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
orthogonally

Use in mathematical, geometric, or data analysis contexts where two lines are at right angles or where two factors are independent.

  • The vectors are orthogonally aligned in this coordinate system.
  • The concepts are orthogonally related and can be analyzed separately.
irrelevantly

Use when something is said or done without any relevance to the current subject or matter at hand.

  • He spoke irrelevantly about his vacation during the meeting.
  • She answered irrelevantly when asked about her progress at work.
unrelatedly

Use when something does not have any connection or relation to another thing.

  • The topic of discussion changed unrelatedly from politics to sports.
  • Her comments were unrelatedly brought up in the conversation.

Examples of usage

  • She answered orthogonally to the question.
  • His comment was completely orthogonal to the discussion.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'orthogonally'

The word 'orthogonally' originates from the Greek word 'orthogōnios', meaning 'at right angles'. In geometry, two lines are considered orthogonal if they intersect at a right angle. Over time, the term has also been used in a metaphorical sense to describe things that are unrelated or irrelevant to each other.

See also: orthogonal, orthogonality.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,380 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.