Meaning & use

linear

adjective·Academic

Arranged in or resembling a straight line; progressing in a single, direct sequence.

See it in a sentence

The graph showed a linear relationship between the hours studied and the test scores.

The story follows a linear timeline, moving steadily from past to present.

A note on using this word

In math, "linear" specifically describes equations or relationships that form a straight line when graphed.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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