What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
orthogonal
Example
The x and y axes on a graph are orthogonal to each other. [orthogonal: adjective]
Example
In statistics, orthogonal variables are those that are not correlated with each other. [orthogonal: adjective]
Example
An orthogonal matrix is a square matrix whose columns and rows are orthogonal unit vectors. [orthogonal: noun]
perpendicular
Example
The ladder was perpendicular to the ground. [perpendicular: adjective]
Example
The walls of the room were perpendicular to each other. [perpendicular: adjective]
Example
The line segment AB is perpendicular to the line CD. [perpendicular: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Perpendicular is more commonly used than orthogonal in everyday language, while orthogonal is more commonly used in mathematics and computer science.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between orthogonal and perpendicular?
Orthogonal is more formal than perpendicular due to its technical usage in mathematics and computer science.
