What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
perpendicular
Example
The two walls meet at a perpendicular angle. [perpendicular: adjective]
Example
She held the pencil perpendicular to the paper to draw a straight line. [perpendicular: adverb]
vertical
Example
The flagpole stood tall and vertical in the wind. [vertical: adjective]
Example
The climber scaled the vertical rock face with ease. [vertical: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vertical is more commonly used than perpendicular in everyday language. Vertical is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while perpendicular is less common and typically used in more technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between perpendicular and vertical?
Both perpendicular and vertical are considered formal words, but perpendicular may be perceived as more technical or precise due to its specific definition and usage in geometry and engineering contexts.
