line
line
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "line" is /laɪn/.
/laɪn/
Word Form Variations
Noun: line (singular), lines (plural)
Verb: line (base form), lines (third person singular present), lining (present participle), lined (past simple, past participle)
Adjective: lined (often as a past participle, e.g., "lined paper" or "lined with trees")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A long, narrow mark or band on a surface.
Synonyms: stripe, streak, stroke, mark, dash
Antonyms: blot, smudge, blob, expanse
Definition 2: A continuous extent of length without breadth; a geometric figure.
Synonyms: segment, curve, straightaway, vector
Antonyms: point (as a contrast in dimension), area, volume
Definition 3: A string, rope, or cord, especially one used for a particular purpose.
Synonyms: rope, cord, cable, string, wire
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; perhaps "slack" as a state of a line)
Definition 4: A sequence of people or things standing or arranged one behind another.
Synonyms: queue, row, file, column, procession
Antonyms: cluster, crowd, mob, disarray
Definition 5: A written or printed row of words or characters.
Synonyms: row, sentence, verse (in poetry), passage
Antonyms: paragraph, page, column (as larger units)
Definition 6: A system of public transportation, such as a railway or bus route.
Synonyms: route, service, network, system, railway (for train lines)
Antonyms: off-road, detour, private transport
Definition 7: (Informal) A type of talk or approach, especially one intended to persuade or impress.
Synonyms: spiel, patter, pitch, approach, tactic
Antonyms: sincerity, honesty, truth (as in not a pre-prepared line)
Definition 8: A boundary or demarcation.
Synonyms: boundary, border, frontier, limit, demarcation
Antonyms: interior, center, expanse
Verb
Definition 1: To arrange in a line or series.
Synonyms: align, array, arrange, queue (up)
Antonyms: scatter, disorganize, jumble, disperse
Definition 2: To cover the inner surface of (a garment, container, or area) with a layer of material.
Synonyms: layer, cover, overlay, upholster, face
Antonyms: strip, uncover, expose, unline
Definition 3: To mark with lines.
Synonyms: rule, score, stripe, draw (lines)
Antonyms: erase, smooth, unmark
Definition 4 (informal, transitive): To place people or things along a route or boundary.
Synonyms: border, flank, stand along, populate
Antonyms: clear, empty, abandon
Adjective
Definition 1: Marked with lines. (Typically a past participle used adjectivally)
Synonyms: striped, ruled, grooved, furrowed
Antonyms: unlined, plain, blank, smooth
Definition 2: Having a lining. (Typically a past participle used adjectivally)
Synonyms: layered, insulated, padded, backed
Antonyms: unlined, raw, open
Examples of Use
Books:
"He drew a faint line in the sand, a boundary no one dared to cross." (Fictional example from an adventure or dramatic novel)
"The first line of the poem established a somber and reflective tone." (From a literary analysis text)
"Each chapter of the historical account sought to draw a clear line between verifiable facts and popular myths." (From a non-fiction historical work)
Newspapers:
"New data reveals a clear upward line in housing prices across the metropolitan area." ("The Wall Street Journal,")
"Commuters formed a long line at the bus stop, frustrated by the unexpected delays." ("Daily Nation,’’)
"The clothing brand launched a new eco-friendly line of sustainable apparel." ("The Standard,")
Online Publications:
"How to get a perfectly sharp eyeline every time with this simple trick." (A beauty tutorial on "Glamour.com,")
"Developers can now integrate the new API with just a single line of code." (A tech article on "ZDNet,")
"The company is trying to stay ahead of the curve by developing a new product line focused on AI." (A business news article on "Forbes.com,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I need you to remember this line perfectly for the next scene." (Dialogue between a director and actor, e.g., in a film about filmmaking)
Television Series: "Our next stop is the end of the line for the suspect; we've got him cornered." (Dialogue from a crime procedural, e.g., "CSI")
Song Lyrics: "Walk the line, walk the line, baby, between love and hate." (Inspired by Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line," 1956)
Video Games: "Follow the green line on your map to reach the objective." (In-game instruction for navigation, e.g., "Grand Theft Auto V")
Podcasts: "The comedian delivered a hilarious opening line that immediately captivated the audience." (A podcast discussing stand-up comedy, e.g., "WTF with Marc Maron")
General Public Discourse:
"Please wait in line for your turn." (A common instruction in a queue)
"Can you draw a straight line across the page?" (A request related to drawing or marking)
"I'm on the phone with customer service; the line is really busy." (A statement about telephone communication)
"Don't cross that line with me, or there will be consequences." (A warning indicating a boundary)
"I need to get some fishing line for our trip next weekend." (Discussing supplies for a hobby)
10 Famous Quotes Using Line
“Don’t cross the line until you’ve learned how to draw it.” – Richie Norton
“There’s a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line.” – Oscar Levant
“Art is the most beautiful of all lies, and drawing is the line that separates vision from reality.” – Anonymous
“I know where the line is, and I’ll cross it if I damn well please.” – Hunter S. Thompson
“A single line drawn with passion can tell a lifetime of stories.” – Vincent van Gogh
“You must draw the line somewhere. You just have to hope it’s not in quicksand.” – Unknown
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. That’s the line that history draws.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“Love is the line that connects heart to heart and soul to soul.” – Rumi
“Sometimes you just need to draw the line and walk away.” – Marilyn Monroe
“The finish line is just the beginning of a whole new race.” – Unknown
Etymology
The word "line" comes from a very old source, tracing back to Latin.
It originated from the Old English word līne, which meant "rope," "cord," "cable," or even "row."
This Old English word was borrowed from the Latin word līnea. In Latin, līnea literally meant "a linen thread" or "a string made of flax." It came from līnum, meaning "flax." The idea was that a thread or string naturally formed a straight or continuous mark.
So, when "line" first appeared in English around the late 10th or early 11th century (Old English period), its primary meanings were:
A cord or rope.
A mark, trace, or boundary (like a thread drawn across a surface).
A row or series of things.
Over time, "line" expanded to include many other related ideas: a telephone connection, a product range, a poetic verse, a queue of people, and even a fishing line – all stemming from that original concept of a continuous thread or mark.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Line
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "line":
To draw a line in the sand: To set a boundary or limit beyond which one will not go.
To toe the line: To conform to a rule or standard; to obey instructions.
To cross the line: To go beyond an acceptable limit or boundary.
To read between the lines: To understand the unstated or implied meaning.
To hold the line: To maintain a position, a price, or resist pressure.
To take a line (on something): To adopt a particular approach or stance on an issue.
To get a line on someone/something: To get information about someone or something.
To be in the firing line: To be in a position where one is likely to be criticized or attacked.
Down the line: In the future; eventually.
On the line: At risk; in danger.
Drop someone a line: To send a short letter or message to someone.
Hard-line: Uncompromising or strict in adherence to a policy or principle.
Out of line: Behaving inappropriately or offensively.
A fine line: A very subtle distinction between two things.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of line from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
