linear
Straight or running in the form of a line.
EXAMPLE
Die Ornamente waren in einer streng linearen Anordnung an der Wand angebracht.
The ornaments were arranged on the wall in a strictly linear pattern.
linear
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Meanings
linear
Proceeding step by step and in a fixed order, without jumps or deviations.
EXAMPLE
Das Computerspiel hat eine sehr lineare Handlung, man kann kaum von der Hauptgeschichte abweichen.
The computer game has a very linear plot; you can hardly deviate from the main story.
linear
In mathematics, describing a relationship in which one variable is directly proportional to another and whose graph is a straight line.
EXAMPLE
Das Wachstum der Pflanze in den ersten Wochen war annähernd linear.
The growth of the plant in the first few weeks was approximately linear.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'linear' is closely related to the noun 'die Linie' (the line). Everything that is linear follows some kind of line—either a real straight line or a figurative one, such as a fixed order.
EXAMPLE
Zeichnen Sie eine gerade Linie von Punkt A nach Punkt B.
Draw a straight line from point A to point B.
Adjective and adverb
'Linear' can stand before a noun as an adjective or function as an adverb describing a verb. The form of the word does not change.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma hat eine sehr lineare Organisationsstruktur.
The company has a very linear organizational structure.
Figurative meaning
'Linear' often describes actions or narratives that proceed strictly one after another, without deviations or jumps. This term is often found in reviews of books, films, or computer games.
EXAMPLE
Die Handlung des Films ist sehr linear und vorhersehbar.
The plot of the film is very linear and predictable.
Technical language
In mathematics and the natural sciences, 'linear' has an exact meaning. It describes a relationship in which a change in one quantity causes a proportional change in another.
EXAMPLE
In den ersten Monaten zeigte die Firma ein lineares Wachstum.
In the first few months, the company showed linear growth.
Compare with
linear vs geradlinig
straight / straightforward
Linear describes a process with fixed steps in a particular order. Geradlinig, by contrast, refers to a direct and consistent approach without beating around the bush. An approach can therefore be geradlinig without being strictly linear.
linear
Sein Vorgehen ist linear, denn er erledigt jeden Schritt in der festgelegten Reihenfolge.
His approach is linear because he completes each step in the specified order.
geradlinig
Sein Vorgehen ist geradlinig, denn er verfolgt sein Ziel direkt und konsequent.
His approach is straightforward because he pursues his goal directly and consistently.
In real life
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