dimension

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dimension' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular aspect or element of something, or to a measurable extent in one direction. For example, you might say "The dimensions of the room are 8 feet by 12 feet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Birdman, arguably, has a solemn dimension to it, but not really The Grand Budapest Hotel, despite being inspired by a writer (Stefan Zweig) who famously committed suicide in despair at the rise of the Nazis.

The Guardian - Film

A 10-day strike starting at the National Gallery on Tuesday has taken on an added dimension now one of the Public and Commercial Services union's senior representatives, Candy Udwin – suspended on the eve of the first strike in February (Letters, 12 March) – has been sacked.

The Guardian - Arts

Domestic job growth and their performance on our employment dimension confirms that".

The Guardian

Merkel and her speechwriters will be aware of the historic dimension of her visit.

The Guardian

The FCO certainly knew that this "genocide equivocation" was dodgy: one internal memo obtained under the Freedom of Information Act admits that "HMG is open to criticism in terms of the ethical dimension.

The Guardian - Books

They asked him why he kept talking like an accountant or an economist, always failing to see "the moral dimension".

The Guardian

Whole families, clans even, have to be considered, and there is sometimes an international dimension".

The Guardian

It's about going beyond the game, the match, the race itself into a dimension where your actions are bigger than a mere sporting contest.

The Guardian - Sport

It's an attitude of fairplay that gives sport an often necessary moral and ethical dimension.

The Guardian - Sport

"This citizen-driven approach has been given an extra dimension through crowd-sourcing and become an antidote to hardcore modernist planning".

The Guardian

Social media has given that sense of community a whole new dimension.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dimension", consider whether a more specific term like "aspect", "element", or "feature" might provide greater clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "dimension" as a catch-all term when a more precise descriptor is available. Overuse can lead to vague writing. Instead, identify the specific aspect you're referring to and use a more targeted word.

Linguistic Context

The word "dimension" primarily functions as a noun. It refers to a measurable extent in a particular direction or a particular aspect of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid term in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "dimension" is a versatile noun widely used to describe a measurable extent, an aspect, or an element of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It's prevalent in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, indicating its broad applicability. While "dimension" is a common term, consider using more specific alternatives like "aspect" or "element" for enhanced clarity. Remember to avoid using "dimension" vaguely when a more precise descriptor would improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspect

Focuses on a particular feature or side of something.

element

Refers to a basic or essential part of something.

feature

Highlights a notable quality or characteristic.

facet

Emphasizes one part of a subject.

characteristic

Stresses a distinguishing feature or quality.

scope

Refers to the extent or range of something.

extent

Indicates the degree or measure of something.

magnitude

Highlights the size or importance of something.

property

Focuses on an attribute or quality of something.

attribute

Points to a quality or feature that is considered inherent or natural.

FAQs

How can I use "dimension" in a sentence?

You can use "dimension" to refer to a measurable extent, as in, "The dimensions of the room are 10 feet by 12 feet." Or, you can use it to refer to an aspect, as in, "The issue has a moral "aspect"."

What are some alternatives to the word "dimension"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "aspect", "element", "feature", or "scope" instead of "dimension".

Is it correct to use "dimension" to refer to an alternative universe?

Yes, "dimension" can refer to an alternative universe or plane of existence, especially in science fiction or fantasy contexts. For example, "They traveled to another "universe" through a portal".

What does it mean when something adds a new "dimension" to something else?

When something adds a new "dimension" to something else, it means it's adding a new "aspect" or "element" that enriches or changes the original thing. For example, "Social media has given that sense of community a whole new "perspective"."