ENGLISH
REFERENCE

linear

adj.
US //ˈɫɪniɝ// UK //lˈɪniə// lin·ear
  1. 1 straight (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    following a straight line or moving in one direction.

    having the form of a line; following a direct or straight course without deviation.

    Example

    The park has several linear paths that lead directly to the lake.

    Example

    The urban planners proposed a linear park system that would follow the old railway tracks through the heart of the city.
  2. 2 sequential (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    happening in a clear, step-by-step order where one thing follows another.

    relating to a process that progresses in a logical, sequential manner from one stage to the next.

    Example

    The book tells a linear story, starting with the hero's birth and ending with his retirement.

    Example

    Traditional novels often employ a linear narrative structure, whereas modern experimental fiction may jump between different time periods.
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  1. 3 proportional (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical Math

    describing a relationship where two things change at the same steady rate.

    describing a relationship between two variables that can be represented by a straight line on a graph.

    Example

    There is a linear relationship between how much you work and how much you earn in this job.

    Example

    The researcher noted a linear correlation between the increase in temperature and the rate of chemical decomposition in the sample.
  2. 4 long and narrow (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Botany

    having a shape that is very long and thin with straight sides.

    possessing a long and narrow morphology with nearly parallel margins.

    Example

    The plant is easy to identify because of its long, linear leaves.

    Example

    The species is characterized by its linear foliage, which allows it to minimize water loss in arid environments.
  3. 5 scheduled media (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    describing television or radio that plays on a fixed schedule rather than on-demand.

    referring to traditional broadcasting where content is delivered according to a predetermined schedule.

    Example

    Many young people prefer streaming services over linear TV channels.

    Example

    Advertisers are shifting their budgets away from linear broadcasting as more consumers migrate to asynchronous viewing platforms.
    • on demand
Origin

Borrowed from Latin līneāris, from līnea (“line”) + -āris (adjectival suffix), equivalent to line + -ar. Doublet of lineal.

Word family

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