The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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vertical

adjective

/ˈvɜr tɪ kəl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of vertical

Perpendicular to the horizontal plane or parallel to the force of gravity.
"The skyscraper's vertical structure towered over the city skyline."

Detailed meaning of vertical

It refers to something that extends from top to bottom or from bottom to top, forming a right angle with the ground. When an object or line is vertical, it stands or hangs in an upright position, pointing directly upwards or downwards. For example, a vertical line on a graph runs parallel to the y-axis, while a vertical column of text is aligned from top to bottom. The term "vertical" is often used to denote height, direction, or a sense of rising or descending. In various fields such as architecture, design, construction, and physics, the concept of verticality plays a crucial role in understanding spatial relationships and structural stability.

Example sentences containing vertical

1. The rock climber scaled the vertical cliff with incredible skill and determination.
2. The artist hung the paintings in a perfectly vertical line, creating an elegant display.
3. The bookshelf had both vertical and horizontal compartments for storing different-sized items.
4. The basketball player leaped high into the air for a vertical jump, aiming to dunk the ball.
5. The architect designed a stunning staircase with sleek, vertical railings.
6. The flagpole stood tall and vertical, proudly displaying the national flag.

History and etymology of vertical

The adjective 'vertical' has its origins in the Latin word 'verticalis,' which is derived from 'vertex,' meaning 'the highest point' or 'the top.' 'Verticalis' pertains to something that is positioned or directed upward from the Earth's surface, perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and parallel to the force of gravity. In English, 'vertical' describes the orientation or alignment of an object, line, or direction that is upright or perpendicular to the ground. The term 'vertical' emphasizes the idea of an upward direction, in contrast to the horizontal, and reflects its connection to the gravitational force that influences the alignment of objects on Earth.

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Further usage examples of vertical

1. The waterfall cascaded down the vertical rock face, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.
2. The vine grew vertically along the trellis, reaching for the sunlight.
3. The architect incorporated floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the vertical views of the surrounding landscape.
4. The skyscraper's elevator whisked passengers swiftly up and down its vertical shafts.
5. The ballet dancer performed graceful leaps and spins, her body maintaining a strong vertical alignment.
6. The skyscraper's vertical design stands out in the cityscape.
7. The flagpole was perfectly vertical against the clear sky.
8. The mountain's vertical cliffs are a climber's challenge.
9. She mastered the art of vertical gardening on her balcony.
10. The waterfall cascaded down the vertical rock face.
11. The athlete's leap reached a remarkable vertical height.
12. The tree grew tall with a straight, vertical trunk.
13. The rocket shot vertically into the night sky.
14. The roller coaster's vertical drop thrilled the riders.
15. The vertical blinds provided privacy and shade.
16. He scaled the vertical ice wall with great skill.
17. The bookshelf was anchored securely to the vertical wall.
18. The basketball player's vertical jump was impressive.
19. The tower's vertical structure swayed in the wind.
20. The pendulum swung back and forth in a vertical motion.
21. The vertical alignment of the columns was perfect.
22. The vertical orientation of the artwork was intentional.
23. The geologist studied the layers in the vertical rock formation.
24. The elevator moved smoothly in a vertical direction.
25. The vertical lines in the painting created a sense of depth.