perpendicular

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "perpendicular" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to describe two objects (usually lines) that intersect at a right angle. Example sentence: The walls of the room meet in a perpendicular angle.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leaning forward to stay perpendicular to the slope, hitting the track mid-foot and trusting my luck on stray rocks, I really cut loose for the first time all week.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The seam can be positioned so that the index finger is perpendicular to it.

The Economist

The Victorian gin palace was for "perpendicular drinking": a glass quickly downed at the bar, standing up, before the stumbling exit.

The Economist

In space-time terms the length of the columns is time and the two axes perpendicular to the length represent the three spatial dimensions in a real universe.To build his multiverse, Dr Smolyaninov added slightly less cobalt to the kerosene, about 8% by volume, than was needed to maintain stable nanocolumns.

The Economist

At that point its "triaxial fluxgate magnetometer" will detect a change in the direction of the magnetic field perpendicular to its path from east-west to north-south.

The Economist

Out of school, his childhood was spent by himself in the woods throwing stones at a tree (two hits, he would be a poet), or testing how far he could climb up a perpendicular cliff.

The Economist

By introducing boron into the silicon, they made the cantilever into a piezoresistive sensor that is, a sensor that responds to deformation by changing its resistance to the flow of electric current.The final step was to coax the artificial cilia into standing perpendicular to the surface of the wafer.

The Economist

Frame-dragging is predicted to cause an additional precession of one hundred-thousandth of a degree, perpendicular to that caused by the geodetic effect.To measure that, the four gyroscopes in Gravity Probe B are made of fused quartz spheres, which will not expand or contract as the temperature changes.

The Economist

When confronted with a desert, a jungle or a perpendicular ascent, it just grinds on.

The Economist

Before, the most astonishing scenes were all out of doors: Coleridge, on the road, glimpsing eternal truths in the evening flight of starlings; wandering over the fells with the Wordsworths, and gazing with them at the stars; scrambling down perpendicular stream beds to visit his friends.

The Economist

Just as England is splitting along lines perpendicular to its traditional divisions, so its two main political parties are tearing along their middles.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geometric relationships, ensure that the term "perpendicular" is used to indicate a precise right angle (90 degrees) between lines or planes. Avoid using it loosely to mean simply 'close to vertical'.

Common error

Avoid using "perpendicular" when you mean "oblique" or "intersecting at an angle that is not 90 degrees". "Perpendicular" specifically denotes a right angle.

Linguistic Context

The word "perpendicular" functions primarily as an adjective, describing the relationship between two lines, planes, or objects that intersect at a right angle (90 degrees). As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

32%

News & Media

22%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perpendicular" is a versatile term primarily used as an adjective to describe elements intersecting at a right angle. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for both technical and general contexts. While "perpendicular" is widely used, it's important to distinguish it from similar terms like "parallel" or "oblique" to ensure accuracy. The term finds frequent application in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific literature, making it essential for clear and precise communication. Remember to specify a precise right angle (90 degrees) when using this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at right angles

Specifies the angle formed by the intersecting lines or planes, focusing on the 90-degree angle.

orthogonal

A more formal and technical term that emphasizes the mathematical property of being at right angles.

at 90 degrees

Directly states the angular measurement between the intersecting lines or planes.

vertical

Describes a line or plane that is upright or upright, specifically related to gravity.

upright

Highlights the position of being straight up, often in relation to a horizontal base.

plumb

Emphasizes the exact verticality, often using a plumb line for measurement.

square

Indicates the formation of a right angle, especially in construction or geometry.

normal

In mathematics and physics, refers to a line or vector that is at a right angle to a surface or another line.

straight up

Implies a direct upward direction, often relative to a horizontal plane.

standing straight

Describes an object or line that is erect and not leaning.

FAQs

How to use "perpendicular" in a sentence?

Use "perpendicular" to describe lines, planes, or objects that intersect at a right angle. For example, "The walls of the room are "perpendicular" to the floor".

What can I say instead of "perpendicular"?

You can use alternatives like "at right angles", "orthogonal", or "vertical" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "perpendicular" or "at a slant"?

"Perpendicular" describes a right angle intersection, while "at a slant" describes an oblique angle. Choose the term that accurately reflects the angle between the objects being described.

What's the difference between "perpendicular" and "parallel"?

"Perpendicular" means intersecting at a right angle, while "parallel" means extending in the same direction, equidistant at all points, and never intersecting. They are opposite geometric relationships.