Linear
ˈlɪniər
Definitions
2 meaningsCharacterized by or extending along a straight or nearly straight line; involving a single dimension.
ˈlɪniər
Arranged in or extending along a straight or nearly straight line.
The diagram showed a linear relationship between the variables.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're drawing a straight line. Linear means something that's like a line, going in one direction without curving much. For example, a highway that goes in a straight line is linear.
👶 For kids: Going in a straight line!
More Examples
The architect preferred a linear design for the modern building.
The project's development followed a linear sequence of steps.
How It's Used
"A linear equation can be graphed as a straight line."
"The growth of the plant followed a linear progression."
"The artist drew a linear representation of the landscape."
Involving a progressive change in one direction, proportional to the cause.
ˈlɪniər
Involving a progressive change in one direction.
The scientist described the linear relationship between temperature and pressure.
💡 Simply: Imagine a graph showing the sales of ice cream on a hot day. If each degree increase in temperature makes the sales go up the same amount, that's a linear relationship: it goes up in one direction.
👶 For kids: Changing in a steady way!
More Examples
The company adopted a linear approach to project management.
The model suggests a linear increase in demand.
How It's Used
"A linear model was used to predict the growth of the economy."
"The company implemented a linear system for customer support."
"Linear time complexity"
From Latin *linearis*, from *linea* ('line'). Originally referring to something relating to or resembling a line.
Used since the 17th century, primarily in mathematics and geometry before expanding to general descriptive use.