Word
laterally
Phoneticslat·er·al·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫætɝəˌɫi/
UK/lˈætəɹəli/
Definition
adv. in a way that moves or is placed to the side. You use this to describe things that go from one side to the other rather than up or down.
adv. in a direction that is to the side; sideways. Often describes movement or positioning relative to a central axis.
Examples
“The river flows laterally across the valley.”
“The architect designed the building so that the windows open laterally to allow more natural light in.”
“The storm caused significant lateral damage to the coastal cliffs, as the high winds pushed water and debris sideways against the rock face.”
Examples
simple
“The river flows laterally across the valley.”
contextual
“The architect designed the building so that the windows open laterally to allow more natural light in.”
complex
“The storm caused significant lateral damage to the coastal cliffs, as the high winds pushed water and debris sideways against the rock face.”
Etymology
From lateral + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/laterally