Linear — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈli-nē-ər/ lin·e·ar

Meaning & Definition of Linear

Linear (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, resembling, or having a graph that is a line and especially a straight line, straight
  2. involving a single dimension
  3. of the first degree with respect to one or more variables

Linear (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. free from irregularities or digressions in course

    "the bullets from early firearms were notorious for not following a strictly linear path through the air"

    similar: direct, right, straight, straightaway, straightforward
    related: unbent, uncurled, untwisted, undeviating, unswerving
    near: bowed, rounded, entwined, kinked, swirled, turned, turning, twined, twining, twisted, twisting, veering, warped, bending, coiled, coiling, corkscrew, curled, curling, curved, curving, looped, looping, spiral, spiraling, wavy, winding, meandering, weaving, devious, serpentine, sinuous, crooked, zigzag, zigzagging

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Linear

The most common words with a similar meaning to Linear:

direct, right, straight, straightaway, straightforward

Related Words for Linear

unbent, uncurled, untwisted, undeviating, unswerving

Near Antonyms of Linear

bowed, rounded, entwined, kinked, swirled, turned, turning, twined, twining, twisted, twisting, veering, warped, bending, coiled, coiling, corkscrew, curled, curling, curved, curving, looped, looping, spiral, spiraling, wavy, winding, meandering, weaving, devious

Word Forms of Linear

Derived words: linearity (noun), linearly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Linear

First known use: circa 1656

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Linear

Words & Phrases Containing Linear

Linear A, linear accelerator, linear algebra, Linear B, linear combination, linear dependence, linear equation, linear function, linear independence

Frequently Asked Questions about Linear

What does "Linear" mean?

"Linear" means of, relating to, resembling, or having a graph that is a line and especially a straight line, straight. As an adjective, it is defined as: of, relating to, resembling, or having a graph that is a line and especially a straight line, straight.

What is another word for "Linear"?

Other words for "Linear" include direct, right, straight, straightaway and straightforward. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Linear" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Linear"?

There are 10 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Linear". Common alternatives include direct, right, straight, straightaway and straightforward.

How do you use "Linear" in a sentence?

Examples of "Linear" in a sentence: "the bullets from early firearms were notorious for not following a strictly linear path through the air".

Is "Linear" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Linear" is an adjective.

Is "Linear" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Linear" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Linear"?

"Linear" is pronounced /ˈli-nē-ər/ and divided into syllables as lin·e·ar.

What is the origin of the word "Linear"?

First known use: circa 1656.