Linear

Definition

Pertaining to or resembling a line; straight.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• (Less commonly) Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɪniər/
• Respelling: LIN-ee-er (with "LIN" as in "win," "ee" as in "see," and "er" as in "her")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɪnɪə/
• Respelling: LIN-ee-uh (with "LIN" as in "win," "ee" as in "see," and "uh" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "linear" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "LIN." The American pronunciation includes a pronounced "er" sound, while the British pronunciation has a softer "uh" sound.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "līneāris," from "līnea" meaning 'line'. The term evolved to describe anything that has a characteristic of a line, either in appearance, structure, or sequence.

Derivatives

• Linearity
• Linearize
• Linearly
• Nonlinear
• Linearization

Synonyms

• Sequential
• Straight
• One-dimensional

Antonyms

• Nonlinear
• Curved
• Multidimensional

Usage

Linear is commonly used in various contexts, including mathematics, physics, and everyday language, to describe phenomena, relationships, or arrangements that follow a straight or direct path.

Related Terms

• Line: A long, narrow mark or band.
• Axis: A fixed reference line for the measurement of coordinates.
• Gradient: A rate of inclination or slope.

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Linear (Adjective): Arranged in or extending along a straight line.
  • Example: "The architect designed the building with a linear layout."

• Linear (Adjective): Involving a direct and proportional relationship between elements or variables.
  • Example: "The graph shows a linear relationship between temperature and pressure."

• Linear (Adjective): Sequential or following a straight, uninterrupted progression.
  • Example: "The story has a linear narrative, moving from beginning to end without flashbacks."