Pronunciation: /ˈlætərəl/

Definitions of lateral

noun a lateral part, branch, or shoot

Example Sentences

A1 I prefer to move laterally when I dance.

A2 The lateral movement of the car caused the accident.

B1 The coach emphasized the importance of lateral passes in soccer.

B2 The lateral spread of the wildfire was difficult to contain.

C1 The lateral thinking required for this project was impressive.

C2 Her lateral agility on the basketball court was unmatched.

adjective relating to the side or sides; situated at or extending to the side

Example Sentences

A1 She took a few lateral steps to avoid the puddle.

A2 The lateral movement of the snake caught the attention of the hikers.

B1 The team used a lateral approach to solve the problem.

B2 The company implemented a lateral organizational structure to improve communication.

C1 The athlete's lateral agility was impressive during the game.

C2 The scientist conducted a study on the brain's lateralization of functions.

Examples of lateral in a Sentence

formal The lateral movement of the vehicle was smooth and controlled.

informal She tried to do a lateral pass in the game but missed the target.

slang I love watching basketball players do those sick laterals on the court.

figurative The company decided to take a lateral approach to solving the issue, rather than the traditional method.

Grammatical Forms of lateral

past tense

lateraled

plural

laterals

comparative

more lateral

superlative

most lateral

present tense

lateral

future tense

will lateral

perfect tense

have lateraled

continuous tense

is lateraling

singular

lateral

positive degree

lateral

infinitive

to lateral

gerund

lateraling

participle

lateraled

Origin and Evolution of lateral

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'lateral' originated from the Latin word 'lateralis', which means 'belonging to the side'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'lateral' has retained its original meaning of 'relating to the side' but has also been extended to refer to movements or positions that are sideways or away from the center.