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Glite Dictionary
perpendicular style

perpendicular style

9.9
A type of English Gothic building style from the 1300s with tall vertical lines, Tudor arches, and fan-shaped ceilings
  • noun
translation icon : estilo perpendicular
  • Historians admire the perpendicular style for its striking vertical emphasis and elegant vaults.

Examples

  • King's College Chapel in Cambridge is a celebrated example of the perpendicular style in architecture.

  • The chapel was built in the perpendicular style, featuring tall windows with intricate tracery.

  • The church was built in the perpendicular style.

  • Many cathedrals in England showcase the perpendicular style.

  • Historians admire the perpendicular style for its striking vertical emphasis and elegant vaults.

  • King's College Chapel in Cambridge is a celebrated example of the perpendicular style in architecture.

  • The chapel was built in the perpendicular style, featuring tall windows with intricate tracery.

Synonyms

Gothic
vsperpendicular style
  • Specialized
1 8.0

A style of church and cathedral building from medieval Europe with pointed arches

is the English development that emphasizes vertical lines and Tudor arches
Gothic architecture
vsperpendicular style
1 6.8

A European church and cathedral style with tall pointed arches and flying buttresses

is a later English form stressing vertical lines and fan vaulting
perpendicular
vsperpendicular style
9.9

An English Gothic church style with strong vertical lines

is the identical term used interchangeably in architectural contexts
English-Gothic
vsperpendicular style
  • Specialized
8.5

A style of church and cathedral building from 14th–15th century England with tall lines, Tudor arches, and fan-shaped stone ceilings

is the same 14th and 15th English style rather than other medieval styles
English-Gothic architecture
vsperpendicular style
  • Specialized
8.9

A style of English church design from the 1300s and 1400s with tall lines, Tudor arches, and fan vaults

is the same tradition focused on verticality and Tudor arches not other forms

Surface Forms

perpendicular style singular
perpendicular styles plural

Morphology

perpendicular + style

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from 'perpendicular' (denoting strong vertical or right-angle emphasis) combined with 'style' (a manner or fashion), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a style characterized by vertical lines. Although it names a specific Gothic architectural period, the phrase is descriptive and follows a common, cross-linguistic compositional pattern.

Etymology

The name perpendicular style comes from the strong vertical lines in these buildings, with tall windows and columns that point straight up. Because 'perpendicular' means straight up and down, people used the word to name this Gothic look, so today perpendicular style means that kind of architecture with tall, upright lines and decorated arched ceilings.