Vertically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vertically

[ˈvəːtɪk(ə)li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

arrangement

In a vertical position or direction; upright.

Synonyms

perpendicular, straight up, upright.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vertically

Suitable when describing the orientation of an object or direction with respect to an imaginary vertical line, typically in a more technical or precise context.

  • The climber ascended vertically up the rock face
  • The graph shows the data plotted vertically
upright

Appropriate when describing the posture of a person or object standing in a raised, vertical position.

  • The guard stood upright at his post
  • The plant was growing upright in the pot
perpendicular

Best used in mathematical, geometric, or engineering contexts to describe an angle of 90 degrees between two lines or surfaces.

  • The floor is perpendicular to the walls
  • The technician needs to ensure the beam is mounted perpendicular to the base
straight up

Informal and colloquial context to emphasize directness or orientation upward, often used in everyday conversation.

  • He looked straight up at the sky
  • Can you pull the rope straight up?

Examples of usage

  • He stood vertically in the doorway.
  • The columns were placed vertically along the hallway.
  • She hung the picture vertically on the wall.
Context #2 | Adjective

alignment

At right angles to a horizontal plane; situated at the highest point.

Synonyms

perpendicular, standing, upright.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vertically

When referring to orientation along the Y-axis or in an up-and-down direction.

  • The skyscraper rises vertically into the sky
  • Align the text vertically in the center of the page
upright

When emphasizing the position of being straight up, often suggesting good posture or moral integrity.

  • Keep your back upright to avoid strain
  • He is known as an upright citizen
perpendicular

When discussing geometry or structures that form a 90-degree angle with a reference plane or line.

  • The road intersects the highway at a perpendicular angle
  • The flagpole is perpendicular to the ground
standing

When describing a person or object that is in an upright position, not sitting or lying down.

  • She was standing by the door, waiting for her friend
  • The statue has been standing in the park for years

Examples of usage

  • The skyscraper has a vertically aligned design.
  • The flagpole stands vertically in the center of the square.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Geometry

  • In geometry, a vertical line is defined as a line that runs up and down and is perpendicular to horizontal lines.
  • Vertical angles are formed when two lines intersect, creating pairs of opposite angles that are equal.

Architecture

  • In architecture, vertical lines are essential for creating a sense of height and grandeur in buildings.
  • Skyscrapers often emphasize vertical elements in their design to create an impression of upward movement.

Art

  • Artists often use vertical lines to convey strength and stability in their compositions.
  • Vertical strokes can suggest movement and energy in paintings and drawings.

Technology

  • In computer graphics, vertical resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed from top to bottom on a screen.
  • Vertical scrolling is a common feature in applications and web pages, allowing users to move up and down through content.

Origin of 'vertically'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'verticalis', which means 'perpendicular' or 'skewed'.
  • Related terms include 'vertex', which signifies a point where lines meet, often found at the top of something upright.

The word 'vertically' originated from the Latin word 'verticalis', which means 'overhead' or 'upright'. The term has been used in various fields such as geometry, architecture, and physics to describe the orientation or alignment of objects in a vertical position.


Word Frequency Rank

At #7,479 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.