WordGarden.iolinearly
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɪniəli/
US
- /ˈlɪniərli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a straight line or straight-line arrangement
in a single unbranching sequence from one step to the next
at a steady directly proportional rate
More meaningsFewer meanings
according to a linear mathematical relationship or operation
Beyond the definition
Think of building with LEGO bricks: if you add one brick at a time in a neat row, something is increasing linearly. It means something grows, changes, or moves at a steady rate, not in sudden jumps or sharp curves. It is about a clear, predictable path. You might say your income increases linearly if it goes up by the same amount each month. A story can also unfold linearly when events happen one after another in time. The word is often used in math and science for patterns that follow a straight-line change.
The word "linearly" describes something that happens or progresses in a straight line, either literally or figuratively. It implies a consistent rate of change—for every step forward, there's an equal response.
In mathematics, linear functions and equations are shown as straight lines on a graph. A linear relationship means that one variable changes at a constant rate as another variable changes. For example, if you earn $20 per hour, your earnings increase linearly with the number of hours worked.
But "linearly" isn't limited to numbers! It can also describe how things unfold over time. A narrative that presents events in chronological order is said to be told linearly. A process that moves step-by-step, one after another, also progresses linearly. Think of a recipe—you follow the instructions linearly from start to finish.
Sometimes, "linearly" contrasts with more complex or non-proportional relationships. For instance, exponential growth isn't linear; it accelerates rapidly rather than progressing linearly. Similarly, a story that jumps between timelines isn't told linearly.
So, whether you're describing a graph, a process, or a narrative, "linearly" signifies a straightforward, consistent progression—a path in a straight line from beginning to end.
Examples
- 1
Pricing
The price increases linearly with the number of tickets you buy.
- 2
Science
As the temperature rose, the pressure changed almost linearly.
- 3
Software performance
The software slows down because the search time grows linearly with the size of the file.
- 4
Story structure
The story is told linearly, from the character's childhood to her old age.
- Phrasetold linearly
told in time order
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Data modeling
These two measurements are not linearly related, so a straight-line model will not fit the data well.
- Domainlinearly related
connected in a way that can be shown with a straight line
See also
Similar
- sequentially
- serially
- in order
Shades of meaning
- chronologically
- step by step
Contrast
- nonlinearly
- randomly
Used with (collocations)
- proceed linearly
- think linearly
- arranged linearly
Word family
Explore
- sequence
- linear narrative
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- linearlyadverb