Dictionary monolingual
English
Line
laɪn
Extremely common
200 - 300
200 - 300
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Line -
Mark or stroke long in proportion to its breadth, made with a pen, pencil, tool, etc., on a surface
Example: She drew a straight line on the paper.
Usage: formalContext: academic or technical discussions
Note: Commonly used in mathematics, art, engineering, etc.
A long, narrow mark or band
Example: There was a line of ants marching across the kitchen floor.
Usage: informalContext: daily life situations
Note: Used to describe physical markings or formations.
A queue of people waiting for something
Example: There was a long line at the ticket counter.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations
Note: Commonly used in contexts like waiting in line at a store or amusement park.
A group of people organized for a particular purpose
Example: She joined the line of volunteers helping with the event.
Usage: formalContext: professional settings
Note: Can refer to a group of individuals working together towards a common goal.
A method or means of communication
Example: I'll drop you a line when I get to the hotel.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations
Note: Used informally to mean sending a message or communicating with someone.
Line's synonyms
row
A row is a linear arrangement of people or things.
Example: Please wait in line for your turn.
Note: Row is often used in contexts where people or objects are arranged in a straight line, such as waiting in line or seating arrangements.
queue
A queue refers to a line of people or vehicles waiting for their turn.
Example: There was a long queue at the ticket counter.
Note: Queue is commonly used in British English and is often associated with waiting in line for a service or to purchase something.
line-up
A line-up is a list or arrangement of people or things in a row.
Example: The line-up for the event was impressive.
Note: Line-up is often used to refer to a list of performers, participants, or suspects arranged in a row or sequence.
alignment
Alignment refers to the arrangement of objects or people in a straight line.
Example: The alignment of the books on the shelf was perfect.
Note: Alignment emphasizes the straight arrangement of objects or people and is often used in contexts related to precision or order.
Line expressions, common phrases
in line
To be in line means to be standing or waiting in a queue or row.
Example: Please wait in line for your turn at the counter.
Note: The phrase 'in line' specifically refers to being in a queue or waiting in an orderly fashion.
draw the line
To draw the line means to set a limit or boundary on what is acceptable or tolerable.
Example: I don't mind helping out, but I draw the line at working overtime without pay.
Note: The phrase 'draw the line' conveys the idea of establishing a clear boundary or limit.
cross the line
To cross the line means to behave in an unacceptable or inappropriate manner.
Example: His comments were offensive; he definitely crossed the line this time.
Note: The phrase 'cross the line' implies going beyond acceptable behavior or boundaries.
read between the lines
To read between the lines means to understand or infer the hidden or implied meaning in a communication.
Example: She didn't say it directly, but if you read between the lines, it's clear she's not happy about the decision.
Note: The phrase 'read between the lines' suggests interpreting the underlying message or subtext.
on the line
To have something on the line means to have something at risk or in jeopardy.
Example: His job is on the line if he doesn't meet the sales targets this quarter.
Note: The phrase 'on the line' indicates that something important or valuable is in danger of being lost.
get in line
To get in line means to join a queue or line of people waiting for something.
Example: If you want to buy tickets for the concert, you'll need to get in line early.
Note: The phrase 'get in line' is a directive to join a queue or line in an orderly manner.
bottom line
The bottom line refers to the most important or crucial aspect of a situation or the ultimate result.
Example: The bottom line is that we need to increase our productivity to stay competitive.
Note: The phrase 'bottom line' highlights the key point or essential outcome of a situation.
throw someone a line
To throw someone a line means to offer help or assistance to someone in need.
Example: When I was lost in the city, a kind stranger threw me a line and helped me find my way back.
Note: The phrase 'throw someone a line' is a figurative expression of offering support or guidance.
Line everyday (slang) expressions
Hook line and sinker
This slang term means to believe something completely and uncritically. It originates from fishing, where 'hook, line, and sinker' refer to the entire fishing tackle.
Example: She fell for his cheesy pickup line hook, line, and sinker.
Note: The original word 'line' refers specifically to the fishing line in this slang term.
Line of work
This slang term refers to the type of job or career someone has. It's commonly used to inquire about someone's profession.
Example: What's your line of work? I'm a computer programmer.
Note: The original word 'line' is used metaphorically to refer to one's field of expertise or profession.
Toe the line
To 'toe the line' means to conform to a rule or standard, or to behave as expected. The term originates from the idea of lining up with one's toes at a starting line, ready for a challenge.
Example: The coach told the players to toe the line and follow the practice rules.
Note: The original word 'line' in this slang term is used metaphorically to refer to following rules or guidelines.
Pickup line
A 'pickup line' is a conversation starter or an attempt to strike up a romantic or flirtatious conversation with someone, typically with humor or cleverness.
Example: He tried to impress her with a cheesy pickup line.
Note: The original word 'line' in this slang term refers to a phrase or sentence used to initiate a social interaction.
Line of sight
This term refers to an unobstructed view between two points. It is often used in contexts where visibility or observation is important.
Example: Ensure the security camera has a clear line of sight to the entrance.
Note: The original word 'line' here signifies a direct visual path without obstacles.
Flat line
To 'flatline' means to have a consistently straight line on a monitor, indicating no measurable activity. In medical contexts, it often signifies cardiac arrest or death.
Example: His heart rate flatlined for a few seconds before returning to normal.
Note: The original word 'line' refers to a flat, horizontal line indicating no activity or movement.
Line up
To 'line up' means to form a straight row or queue, especially in readiness for something. It is commonly used in contexts like organizing groups or waiting in line.
Example: The students need to line up before entering the classroom.
Note: The original word 'line' signifies arranging oneself in a row or queue.
Line - Examples
I need to wait in line at the grocery store.
Please draw a straight line on the paper.
She has a great sense of humor and always delivers funny lines.
The company is introducing a new product line next month.
Line grammar
Line - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: line
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): lines, line
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): line
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): lined
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): lining
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): lines
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): line
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): line
Syllables, Separation and Stress
line Contains 1 syllables: line
Phonetic transcription: ˈlīn
line , ˈlīn (The red syllable is stressed)
Line - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
line: 200 - 300 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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