Skip to main content
flatwise

flatwise

4.9
With the flat, wide side lying down on a surface
  • adjective
  • /ˈflætˌwaɪz/
translation icon : horizontalmente
  • He placed the book flatwise on the shelf instead of standing it up.

Examples

  • The tiles should be stacked flatwise to avoid chipping the edges.

  • Lay the board flatwise on the table to prevent it from falling.

  • Please place the book flatwise on the table.

  • The picture was hung flatwise against the wall.

  • He placed the box flatwise on the ground to save space.

  • Make sure the cake is laid flatwise on the cooling rack for even cooling.

  • The documents should be stored flatwise in the file cabinet.

Synonyms

face down
vsflatwise
49 2.0

With the front side turned down toward a surface

places the broad surface flat against a lower surface not tilting the upper side
horizontally
vsflatwise
25 3.2

In a flat, level direction from side to side

places the broad surface flat against a lower surface rather than simply lying side-to-side
levelly
vsflatwise
3.4

A thing lies flat and even so it is the same height everywhere

keeps even height but need not place the broad side against something

Surface Forms

flatwise positive

Morphology

flatwise = flat (transparent) = flat + wise

The meaning is directly derived from 'flat' + the productive suffix '-wise' meaning 'in the manner of' or 'with respect to'.

Etymology

Flatwise is made from flat ('level, not tall') plus the ending -wise ('in the way of'), as in clockwise or lengthwise. So flatwise means 'in a flat position', for example with the broad side facing down.