# graph

/ˈɡɹæf/ (US) · /ɡɹˈæf/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/graph
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. data chart

noun · CEFR A2

a drawing that uses lines, bars, or curves to show how different sets of numbers or facts are related.

For teachers: a diagrammatic representation of data, typically illustrating the relationship between two or more variables along axes.

- The graph shows that sales increased quickly during the summer months.
- The quarterly report included a line graph demonstrating the clear correlation between increased marketing spend and user acquisition.

Usage: Commonly used with verbs like 'show', 'illustrate', or 'plot'.

### 2. mathematical function

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a line or curve drawn on a grid to show the result of a mathematical equation.

For teachers: the set of points on a coordinate plane that satisfy a given functional relationship.

- We had to draw the graph of the equation for our homework.
- Students were asked to identify the points where the graph of the quadratic function intersected the x-axis.

### 3. network of nodes

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a collection of points (nodes) connected by lines (edges).

For teachers: a mathematical structure consisting of a set of vertices and a set of edges connecting pairs of vertices.

- The computer uses a graph to find the shortest path between two cities.
- In graph theory, a tree is defined as a connected graph that contains no cycles.

Usage: Often used in the context of 'graph theory' or 'social graphs'.

### 4. linguistic unit

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the smallest unit of a writing system, like a single letter or character.

For teachers: a visual representation of a grapheme; the physical shape of a character in a writing system.

- The researcher studied how the shape of each graph changed over time.
- The distinction between a graph and a grapheme is essential for understanding the phonological basis of writing systems.

### 5. to draw a graph

verb · CEFR B1

to draw a picture or chart that represents data or a mathematical function.

For teachers: to represent a set of data or a mathematical function in the form of a graph.

- You can graph the results of your experiment to see the pattern more clearly.
- The software allows users to graph complex datasets instantly, providing various options for visual customisation.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as 'data' or 'results'.

## Examples

- The graph shows that sales are increasing every month.
- The teacher asked the students to plot their test results on a graph to track their progress over the semester.
- By examining the line graph, the researchers identified a significant correlation between rising global temperatures and the accelerated melting of polar ice caps over the last decade.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.