Skip to main content
orthogonally

orthogonally

1 8.1
In a way that is at a right angle to something or not connected to it
  • adverb
  • /ɔrˈθɑɡənəli/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ortogonalmente
  • The channels on one face run orthogonally to those on the other.
  • orthogonally rotated

Examples

  • And then these two face orthogonally and this one places in line.

  • So in conclusion, we've shown that orthogonally polarized light does not interfere.

  • Nevertheless, proponents of the achievement goal model have indicated that the two goals are orthogonally independent (Nicholls, 1984; Roberts, 1992).

    Academic text (2000)
  • Orthogonal dimensions are the coordinate perpendicular x-y axes familiar from coordinate geometry or, more properly, the dimensions in which statistical variables can move orthogonally to, i.e., independently from, each other.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The two pipes cross each other orthogonally, creating a stable structure.

  • In the new design, the panels are arranged orthogonally to maximize space efficiency.

  • The artist painted the lines orthogonally on the canvas to create a unique perspective.

Synonyms

transversely
vsorthogonally
1 6.7

In a way that goes across something at a right angle to its main direction

can also mean simply independent or generally across not strictly exact angle
perpendicularly
vsorthogonally
1 7.3

In a way that is at a right angle to a surface, like straight up from the ground

is broader and also used for being independent rather than only exact angles
crosswise
vsorthogonally
4.0

Lying across something at right angles

often implies independence or a general across position rather than precise angle

Surface Forms

orthogonally positive

Morphology

orthogonally = orthogonal (transparent) = orthogonal + ly

The adverb is formed by the regular derivation of '-ly' from the adjective 'orthogonal', preserving the meaning 'in a right-angled or independent manner'.

Etymology

Orthogonally comes from Greek parts ortho- meaning 'straight' or 'right' and gonia meaning 'angle'. So think of it as 'right angle' — things meeting at 90 degrees or acting on their own, which is why we use orthogonally to mean 'at a right angle' or 'independently'.