What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rectilinear
Example
The city's rectilinear streets made it easy to navigate. [rectilinear: adjective]
Example
The artist's work often features rectilinear shapes and patterns. [rectilinear: adjective]
linear
Example
The graph shows a linear relationship between the two variables. [linear: adjective]
Example
The architect's design features clean, linear shapes and minimal ornamentation. [linear: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Linear is more commonly used than rectilinear in everyday language. Linear is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rectilinear is less common and often used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rectilinear and linear?
Both rectilinear and linear can be used in formal or technical contexts, but rectilinear may be perceived as more formal due to its less common usage and association with precision and accuracy.
