Vertical

Definition

At right angles to a horizontal plane; in a direction, or having an alignment, such that the top is directly above the bottom.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɜrtɪkəl/
• Respelling: VUR-ti-kuhl (where "uh" represents the schwa sound)

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɜːtɪkəl/
• Respelling: VUR-ti-kuhl (similarly, "uh" represents the schwa)

In both versions, the final syllable "-cal" is pronounced as "-kuhl," with the 'ə' (schwa) sound similar to the "uh" in "up" or "son."

Etymology

Derived from the Late Latin word "verticalis", which comes from the Latin "vertex", meaning "highest point".

Derivatives

• Verticality
• Vertically
• Verticalness
• Verticalize
• Verticalization

Synonyms

• Perpendicular
• Upright
• Plumb

Antonyms

• Horizontal
• Parallel
• Flat

Usage

• "The tower was built in a perfectly vertical alignment."
• "Measure the vertical distance between the roof and the ground."

Related Terms

• Alignment
• Orientation
• Axis

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Orientation: Being in a position or direction that is perpendicular to the horizon; upright.
• Example: "The vertical line on the graph represents time."

• Relation: Of or relating to the vertex; situated at the top or highest point.
• Example: "The vertical axis of a graph."

Noun

• Direction: A vertical line, plane, or direction.
• Example: "The y-axis is also known as the vertical."