linear
gb/lˈɪniɚ/ us/lˈɪniɚ/
B1
English
~ 3400
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
In a straight line
Going in or shaped like a straight line.
Usage pattern:
[something] is linear
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'linear' with 'line' and use it as a noun instead of an adjective.
Synonyms
straight (More general; not limited to mathematical or geometric contexts.)
Antonyms
curved (Describes something bent or rounded rather than straight.)
Collocations
linear path
|linear design
|linear pattern
|linear layout
|linear movement
Themes
geometry
|design
|mathematics
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The road follows a linear route across the plain.
- The artist preferred linear patterns in her work.
- Growth in this model is linear rather than exponential.
- The bridge was built with a simple linear structure.
- The data points fell along a linear trend.
Learner examples
- The street is linear and easy to follow.
- This is a linear shape.
- The lines on the paper are linear.
- A train moves on a linear track.
- The table has a linear edge.
adjective
technical
B2
property
2
Changing at a constant rate
Changing at the same speed or amount over time.
Usage pattern:
[something] is linear
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'linear' with 'lineal', which refers to family lineage.
Synonyms
proportional (Mathematical term implying direct proportionality, which may be a subset of linear change.)
Antonyms
exponential (Describes change that increases more and more rapidly, not at a constant rate.)
Collocations
linear growth
|linear function
|linear relationship
|linear equation
Themes
mathematics
|science
|statistics
|education
Examples
- The experiment showed a linear increase in temperature over time.
- This formula represents a linear function.
- We observed a linear relationship between speed and distance.
- The cost has risen in a linear fashion for the past decade.
Learner examples
- The price went up in a linear way.
- A linear graph shows a straight line.
- This is a linear equation.
- The growth of the tree is linear.
adjective
technical
B2
property
3
First-degree algebraic form
In math, using only numbers and letters without powers higher than one.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'linear' in this sense with its everyday meaning of 'straight'. In math, it has a more specific definition.
Synonyms
first-degree (Specifically refers to the degree of an equation; less common outside mathematics.)
Antonyms
quadratic (Refers to equations of the second degree, unlike linear equations.)
Collocations
linear equation
|linear algebra
|linear transformation
Themes
mathematics
|science
|education
Examples
- A simple example of a linear equation is y = 2x + 3.
- Linear algebra is essential for computer graphics.
- The system can be solved using methods for linear equations.
Learner examples
- y = 2x + 3 is a linear equation.
- We study linear algebra in school.
- Linear equations make a straight line on the graph.
adjective
B2
property
4
Happening step-by-step without branches
Happening in order, one step after another, without changes or breaks.
Synonyms
sequential (More general term for ordered steps; not necessarily unbranched like 'linear'.)
Antonyms
nonlinear (Describes processes or narratives that do not follow one direct sequence.)
Collocations
linear process
|linear storytelling
Themes
processes
|planning
|technology
|education
Examples
- The training program follows a linear process from basics to advanced skills.
- Traditional novels often have a linear storyline.
- Project development was carried out in a linear manner.
Learner examples
- This story is linear from start to end.
- We follow a linear plan at work.
- The game has a linear path to finish.
Grammar
Dictionary form
linear
IPA
GB/lˈɪniɚ/
US/lˈɪniɚ/
Syllables & stress
lin - ear (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (lin)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: linear
Word family
Expressions
linear equation
1/lˈɪniɚ ɪkwˈeɪʒən/
fixed phrase
technical
Equation with first-degree variables only
A math rule showing that numbers and letters are connected, with no powers higher than one.
Examples
- In algebra class we learned how to solve a linear equation.
- A graph of a linear equation is always a straight line.
linear path
1/lˈɪniɚ pˈæθ/
fixed phrase
A straight route without turns
A way that goes straight without turning.
Examples
- The hikers took a linear path to the summit.
- His career followed a linear path from intern to CEO.
linear relationship
1/lˈɪniɚ ɹilˈeɪʃənʃˌɪp/
fixed phrase
technical
Proportional change between two variables
When one thing changes and another changes by the same amount each time.
Examples
- Scientists found a linear relationship between hours studied and test scores.
- The chart shows a clear linear relationship between weight and height.