horizontal

Everyday

1. Flat and level, going straight from side to side, parallel to the ground or the horizon. tree →
2. (maths) A horizontal line goes across the page, from left to right, like the x-axis. tree →
3. The horizontal is a horizontal line or position. tree →

In the lessons

In maths (lines, graphs, axes, symmetry), science (levels, spirit levels) and art. It tells the reader which way something lies. Phrases: horizontal line, horizontal axis, horizontal and vertical.

Examples

• Draw a horizontal line across the page. tree →
• The x-axis on a graph is horizontal. tree →
• The water in a glass stays horizontal even when you tip it. tree →
• A shelf must be horizontal or things will roll off. tree →
• Vertical lines go up and down, horizontal lines go across. tree →
• The gymnast held her body horizontal on the bar. tree →

Note

Opposite: vertical (up and down). Adverb: horizontally. Memory trick: horizontal is like the horizon, flat across. Maths: a horizontal line of symmetry splits a shape into top and bottom halves.