lateral
LAT-er-uhl
/ˈlæt.ər.əl/
Relating to, of, or from the side or sides; (of thinking) looking at a problem from unexpected angles rather than using traditional logic.
In puzzle-solving, 'lateral thinking' means discarding straightforward, vertical logic in favor of creative, indirect approaches.
The story behind the word. Originally a purely anatomical or geographical term from the Latin latus ('side'), 'lateral' took on a whole new life in 1967 when psychologist Edward de Bono coined the term 'lateral thinking' to describe the act of attacking a problem from the side—stepping off the predictable path of logic.
Word relationships
- sideways: Sideways is purely physical, while lateral can be physical or metaphorical (as in thinking).
- unconventional: Unconventional means not based on what is generally done, whereas lateral thinking specifically implies moving sideways to find new angles.
- linear: Linear thinking follows a straight, logical path, the exact opposite of lateral thinking.
- vertical: Vertical thinking is analytical and moves step-by-step directly upward.
Commonly confused with
- linear: Linear thinking follows a straight, logical path; lateral thinking jumps sideways to find unexpected connections.
Word family
- laterally (adverb): From the side or sides; in a lateral direction.
- bilaterality (noun): The state of having or relating to two sides.
Collocations
- lateral thinking
- lateral movement
- lateral shift
Example sentences
- "The lateral movement of the fish was swift and unexpected." A classic novel describing the physical movements of a whale. (Herman Melville, Moby-Dick, 1851)
Memory hook
When you think laterally, you step to the side (like a crab) to look at the problem from a new angle. Step to the side (latus) to see the solution.
When not to use
Do not use for straightforward, step-by-step mathematical reasoning.
Fun facts
- In American football, a 'lateral pass' is a pass thrown sideways or backward, perfectly matching the word's literal Latin origin.
Explore more words
divergent, unorthodox, latitude, bilateral, analytical, multifaceted
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