Etymology Map
Back to all words

Linear

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means arranged in a straight line

Where does the word "linear" come from? It comes from Latin linearis, adopted directly into English (1640s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
linearis
Latin · ancient
"of lines"
from 'linea', line
2
Stage 2 of 2
linear
English · 1640s
"of lines"
'linear' thinking dates from the 1900s
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Linear’s story begins in Latin: linearis meant “of lines.” From 'linea', line. It reached English by 1640s as linear. 'linear' thinking dates from the 1900s. Today, linear means arranged in a straight line.