Definition

Noun: * A method of problem-solving that involves approaching problems indirectly and creatively, by exploring multiple perspectives and using reasoning that may not be immediately obvious or based on traditional step-by-step logic. It emphasizes generating new ideas and breaking free from established patterns of thought.

Usage

• Lateral thinking is used as an uncountable noun to describe a creative thinking process or technique.
• It is often contrasted with vertical (or logical) thinking, which proceeds in a linear, sequential manner.
• Common collocations include: .

Examples

• Noun:
  • Solving this riddle requires some lateral thinking.
  • The company encourages lateral thinking to foster innovation.
  • He applied lateral thinking to find a novel solution to the logistical problem.

Advanced Usage

• "To think laterally": The verb phrase derived from the noun, meaning to engage in lateral thinking.
  • We need to think laterally about our marketing strategy.

Variants and Related Words

• Lateral thinker (n): A person who habitually uses lateral thinking.
  • She is a true lateral thinker, always coming up with unexpected solutions.

Synonyms

• Creative thinking
• Divergent thinking
• Thinking outside the box
• Unorthodox thinking

Antonyms

• Vertical thinking
• Linear thinking
• Conventional thinking
• Logical thinking (in its strict, sequential sense)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To think outside the box": This idiom is a close synonym and is often used interchangeably in casual contexts to describe unconventional, creative problem-solving.
  • The best solutions come when you think outside the box.

Noun

1. a heuristic for solving problems; you try to look at the problem from many angles instead of tackling it head-on