linear
/'liniə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to or arranged along a line: Involving a single dimension of length, as opposed to area or volume.
- Characterized by a direct, sequential progression: Following a step-by-step order without deviation or branching.
- In mathematics, designating a relationship of direct proportionality: Involving an equation or function where the variables appear only to the first power and are not multiplied together.
- In electronics, having an output directly proportional to the input: Describing a device or circuit that produces a response that is a straight-line function of its stimulus.
Examples of Usage
- Relating to a line:
- The ruler is used for making linear measurements.
- The artist preferred linear drawings over shaded ones.
- Sequential progression:
- The novel follows a linear narrative from beginning to end.
- The company uses a linear process for product development.
- In mathematics:
- The equation y = 2x + 3 is a linear equation.
- Linear functions graph as straight lines.
- In electronics:
- A linear amplifier reproduces the input signal without distortion.
Advanced Usage
- "Linear thinking": A style of thought that proceeds in a step-by-step, logical fashion, often contrasted with lateral or creative thinking.
- His linear thinking was perfect for solving the engineering problem but not for brainstorming new ideas.
- "Linear regression": In statistics, a method for modeling the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables by fitting a linear equation.
- We used linear regression to analyze the trend in the sales data.
Variants and Related Words
- Linearity (noun): The quality or state of being linear.
- The linearity of the device's response was crucial for the experiment.
- Linearly (adverb): In a linear manner.
- The costs increase linearly with production volume.
- Nonlinear (adjective): Not linear; not arranged in a straight line or involving a direct sequence.
- The system exhibited nonlinear behavior under high stress.
Synonyms
- Direct: Proceeding in a straight line or by the shortest course.
- Sequential: Forming or following a logical order or sequence.
- Proportional: Corresponding in size or amount to something else.
Antonyms
- Nonlinear: Not linear; involving curves, branches, or indirect relationships.
- Exponential: Increasing at an accelerating rate.
- Lateral: Involving sideways or indirect movement or thinking.
Related Phrases
- "Linear foot" (or "running foot"): A unit of measurement for length, especially for materials sold by length.
- The lumber is priced per linear foot.
- "Linear perspective": In art, a technique for representing three-dimensional space on a flat surface using converging lines.
- The painting uses linear perspective to create a sense of depth.
Adjective
- measured lengthwise
- cost of lumber per running foot
- (of a leaf shape) long and narrow
- of a circuit or device having an output that is proportional to the input
- analogue device
- linear amplifier
- of or in or along or relating to a line; involving a single dimension
- a linear measurement
- designating or involving an equation whose terms are of the first degree