Words / B2

dy-AG-uh-nl/daɪˈæɡənl/

Diagonal means joining two opposite corners of a shape: a diagonal line; diagonally across. As a noun, that line: the diagonal of a square. Horizontal and vertical are the axis twins; oblique is a close twin. Draw the diagonal in the construction, then the length. Mix-up: diagonal vs diagram; diabolical; do not write diagonal for any slanted doodle that does not join opposite corners in the figure.

Meaning

Joining two opposite corners of a shape; as a noun, that line.

Examples

• “Draw the diagonal in the construction, then the length, the maths paper said.”
• “A diagonal path featured on the site plan, which is still a named bearing — quote ° if given.”

Good to know

a diagonal line / stripe; the diagonal of; diagonally. Contrast: horizontal / vertical. Close: oblique. Trap: diagram / a random slant. Maths and DT. Corner to opposite corner — quote the length.

Near in meaning

oblique, slanting, corner-to-corner

New