A line is a basic geometric shape consisting of two points connected by a straight path. Lines are often used to create other shapes, such as triangles and circles. Lines can also be used to show movements in a dance or a work of art.
Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. They can be thick or thin, long, or short. Lines can be straight or curved. Some lines are even zigzag!
No matter what kind of line it is, lines always have at least two points connected by a path. That’s what makes their lines!
The word “line” has a lineage of complex history. It comes from the Latin word for thread, which is also the root of “linen.” The English word originally meant a thin cord or string, and it wasn’t until the 14th century that it came to mean a row or series of objects. Over time, the word’s meaning has evolved to include lines of text on a page or screen and more abstract concepts like lines of thought or argument.
The word “line” contains complexities and hidden histories despite its simple definition. Next time you use it, take a moment to think about all the diverse ways it can be interpreted – you might be surprised at how much depth this little four-letter word can have.