Dimension

Definition

Dimension refers to a measurable extent of some kind, such as length, width, height, or depth. In a broader context, it can also refer to an aspect or feature of a situation, problem, or thing.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈmɛnʃən/
• Respelling: dih-MEN-shuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /daɪˈmɛnʃən/ or /dɪˈmɛnʃən/
• Respelling: dy-MEN-shuhn or dih-MEN-shuhn

The pronunciation of "dimension" varies slightly between American and British English, with the British form allowing both "dih" and "dy" for the initial sound.

Etymology

The word "dimension" is derived from the Latin "dimensio," meaning "a measuring," which stems from "dimetiri," meaning "to measure out." The term entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially referring to physical measurements and later expanding to include figurative meanings such as aspects or elements of a situation.

Derivatives

• Dimensional (adjective)
• Dimensionality (noun)
• Multidimensional (adjective)
• Dimensionally (adverb)
• Interdimensional (adjective)

Synonyms

• Aspect
• Measure
• Extent

Antonyms

• Flatness
• Simplicity
• Unidimensionality

Usage

The word "dimension" is used in various contexts, such as mathematics, physics, and general conversation. In mathematics and science, it typically refers to the measurable size or scale of an object or space. For example: "The room's dimensions are 20 feet by 15 feet." In a broader context, it can also refer to an aspect or component of something, such as "The emotional dimension of the story added depth to the character."

Related Terms

• Magnitude: The size or extent of something, especially when referring to something large.
• Measurement: The action of measuring something, or the size, length, or amount of something that has been measured.
• Proportion: A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A measurable extent of some kind, such as length, width, or height: Refers to physical measurements used to describe the size or scale of an object or space.
  • Example: "The dimensions of the box are 10 inches by 8 inches."
• An aspect or feature of a situation or problem: Refers to one particular element or component of a more complex whole.
  • Example: "This issue has a moral dimension that we need to consider."
• In physics or mathematics, a direction of space: Refers to one of the axes of space, such as height, width, or depth, or any measurable extent in more abstract mathematical or physical theories.
  • Example: "We live in a world with three spatial dimensions, but physicists hypothesize the existence of more."