Basic Details
Word: Diagonal
Part of Speech: Adjective / Noun
Meaning: Relating to a straight line joining two opposite corners of a shape, or a line that slants across.
Synonyms: Slanted, angled, oblique
Antonyms: Vertical, horizontal
Idioms and Phrases
- Diagonal thinking: Refers to a creative approach of solving problems not directly but from different angles. Example: "His diagonal thinking helped us find a solution we had not considered before."
- Cross the diagonal: To take an alternative route or approach. Example: "Instead of following the usual path, she decided to cross the diagonal and explore new ideas."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The engineer drew a diagonal line across the blueprint to indicate where the new walls would go.
Example 2: When looking at the scoreboard, I noticed that the scores were arranged diagonally, making it easier to compare the teams.
Example 3: The pattern on the quilt had beautiful diagonal stripes that created a vibrant design.
Fun Fact
The term "diagonal" comes from the Latin word "diagonalem," which means "slanting" or "crossing," showing how the concept has been used in geometry and art for centuries to describe angles and positions.
Famous Quote
"Life is not about how many steps you take, but how many diagonals you create." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "diagonal" mean?
a) A straight line parallel to the edge
b) A line joining two opposite corners or slanting across
c) A round shape
d) A vertical line
Answer: b) A line joining two opposite corners or slanting across
2. Which of these is a synonym of "diagonal"?
a) Horizontal
b) Angled
c) Straight
d) Perpendicular
Answer: b) Angled
3. Which of these is the antonym of "diagonal"?
a) Slanted
b) Horizontal
c) Angled
d) Oblique
Answer: b) Horizontal
4. Which sentence uses "diagonal" correctly?
a) The diagonal crosses the river beautifully.
b) She placed the books on the diagonal to make them look neat.
c) The diagonal was tall and green.
d) The dog jumped over the diagonal fence.
Answer: b) She placed the books on the diagonal to make them look neat.
5. Which idiom refers to creative problem-solving?
a) Diagonal thinking
b) Cross the diagonal
c) Off the diagonal
d) None of the above
Answer: a) Diagonal thinking
