flatways
Definition
- Adverb:
- With the flat side facing or lying downward: "flatways" means positioned so that the broad, flat surface is against something or oriented horizontally.
- In a flattened or horizontal manner: It describes an object placed such that it lies flat rather than on its edge.
Usage Examples
- (Position the board with its wide side down.)
- (He set the brick horizontally, not on its side.)
- (The book was placed lying flat, not upright.)
Advanced Usage
"to lie flatways": to be positioned with the broad surface downward.
- The carpenter instructed to lay the timber flatways for stability. (Place the wood horizontally.)
"flatways vs. edgeways": contrasting orientations; "flatways" refers to the wide side, while "edgeways" refers to the narrow side.
- The plank must be cut flatways, not edgeways, to achieve the desired width. (Cut along the wide dimension.)
Variants and Related Words
Flatwise (adv): an alternative spelling of "flatways," meaning in the same orientation.
- She placed the mat flatwise on the floor. (She laid it with the flat side down.)
Flat (adj): having a level, even surface; lacking curvature.
- The flat surface of the table is ideal for writing. (The table is smooth and level.)
Synonyms
- Horizontally: in a direction parallel to the ground; level.
- Flattened: made or lying flat, especially after being pressed.
Related Idioms
Flat out: at maximum speed or effort (not directly synonymous but related to "flat").
- He was working flat out to meet the deadline. (He was working as hard as possible.)
Fall flat: to fail completely or have no effect.
- The joke fell flat with the audience. (The joke was not funny.)