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Meaning & use

non-linear

adjective·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˌnɒn ˈlɪniə/
US/ˌnɑːn ˈlɪniər/

Meanings

  1. adjectivebefore a noun

    Not arranged or happening in a simple straight order or sequence.

    Grammar: Usually before a noun: a non-linear narrative. It can also follow a linking verb: the plot is non-linear.

    Patterns

    • non-linear narrative
    • non-linear story
    • non-linear process

    The film tells a non-linear story, jumping between past and present.

    Learning a language is a non-linear process; progress is not always steady.

    Her novel uses a non-linear structure that can confuse readers at first.

  2. adjectivebefore a nounmathematicsspecialist

    In mathematics and science, not forming a straight line on a graph when one quantity changes.

    Grammar: Common before nouns such as equation or relationship; also used after linking verbs: the relationship is non-linear.

    Patterns

    • non-linear equation
    • non-linear relationship
    • non-linear function

    The scientists found a non-linear relationship between temperature and pressure.

    A non-linear equation cannot be drawn as a single straight line.

    In a non-linear system, a small change can have a large effect.

Common combinations

non-linear narrative
The director chose a non-linear narrative to keep the audience guessing.
non-linear relationship
There is a non-linear relationship between study time and test scores.
non-linear equation
Students solved a non-linear equation using a computer.
non-linear system
Weather is a non-linear system, so small changes can grow quickly.

Synonyms and how they differ

disordered
Focuses on lack of order, often with a negative feeling; non-linear is neutral and simply describes a different pattern.
curved
Describes a physical shape, not a sequence or mathematical relationship.

Opposites

linear

Word family

linear adjective
Arranged in a straight line or simple sequence.
linearity noun
The quality of being linear.
non-linearity noun
The state or quality of being non-linear.

Commonly confused: non-linear or nonliteral?

non-linear vs nonliteral

Nonliteral means not using the usual or exact meaning of words, as in figurative language. Non-linear is about order or mathematical shape.

Practice

A novel that moves back and forth in time is often described as having a ______ structure.

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