ENGLISH
REFERENCE

diagonal

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //daɪˈæɡənəɫ// UK //daɪˈæɡənəl// di·ag·o·nal

adj. joining two opposite corners of a square or rectangle with a straight, sloping line. You use this to describe something that is slanted rather than straight across or straight up.

adj. joining two non-adjacent vertices of a polygon or two non-adjacent vertices of a polyhedron. Often describes a line or movement that is slanted or oblique relative to a horizontal or vertical axis.


SIMPLE

The shirt has a pattern of thin diagonal stripes.

CONTEXTUAL

To save time, the hikers took a diagonal path across the field instead of following the perimeter fence.

COMPLEX

The architect used diagonal bracing to reinforce the structure against lateral wind forces while maintaining the building's aesthetic profile.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle French diagonal, from Latin diagōnālis, from Ancient Greek διαγώνιος (diagṓnios, “from angle to angle”), from διά (diá, “across”) + γωνία (gōnía, “angle”).

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; can also function as a noun when referring to the line itself.

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