C1adjectiveformalscienceacademic
US/ˈlɪn.i.ər/
UK/ˈlɪn.i.ə/
going in a straight line, or changing at a steady rate; developing step by step
In context
The graph shows a linear increase in temperature over the last century.
Learning a language is rarely linear; you improve, stop, then improve again.
Unlike linear growth, the virus spread exponentially in the first weeks.
Words that go with linear
adjective + noun
- linear relationshipThere is a linear relationship between speed and fuel use here.
- linear growthLinear growth means adding the same amount each year.
- linear modelThe researchers used a simple linear model to predict sales.
- linear processInnovation is not a linear process.
adverb + adjective
- strictly linearThe story is told in a strictly linear way, from birth to death.