Perpendicular vs. Orthogonal: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Perpendicular means at an angle of 90 degrees to a given line, plane, or surface, while Orthogonal refers to being at right angles, especially in a more abstract or general context.
Key Differences
Perpendicular specifically denotes a precise 90-degree angle between two lines, planes, or surfaces, typically in a geometric or physical context. Orthogonal, while also implying a 90-degree angle, is often used in more abstract contexts, such as in mathematics, computer science, or statistics, where it represents the concept of independence or non-interference.
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Nov 28, 2023
In architecture and engineering, perpendicular is a common term used to describe the exact right-angle relationship between structural elements. Orthogonal, in contrast, may be used in these fields, but it’s more prevalent in describing conceptual or theoretical relationships, like orthogonal design principles or orthogonal views in software engineering.
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Perpendicular angles are crucial in basic geometric constructions and are often visually demonstrable, like the corners of a square or rectangle. Orthogonal concepts extend beyond the visual, into domains where perpendicularity is a metaphor for independence, such as orthogonal variables in statistics that are uncorrelated.
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In everyday language, perpendicular is commonly used to describe simple, physical right angles, like a ladder standing perpendicular to the ground. Orthogonal, though less common in daily speech, is used in more specialized discussions, particularly where abstract or non-physical relationships are concerned.
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Nov 28, 2023
When teaching basic geometry, the concept of perpendicular lines is fundamental and easily illustrated with physical examples. Orthogonal, however, is a term that gains importance at higher levels of mathematics and science, where it signifies more complex ideas of perpendicularity in multidimensional spaces or abstract systems.
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Comparison Chart
Context of Usage
Mostly in physical and visual geometry
In abstract, theoretical, or higher-dimensional contexts
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Implication
Strictly a 90-degree angle between lines or surfaces
A right angle, or conceptually representing independence
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Common Fields
Geometry, architecture, engineering
Mathematics, computer science, statistics
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Complexity
Basic geometric concept
Extends to complex or abstract relationships
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Perpendicular and Orthogonal Definitions
Perpendicular
Intersecting at 90 degrees
The crosswalk lines are perpendicular to the sidewalk.
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Orthogonal
Conceptually independent
Their research topics are orthogonal to each other.
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Perpendicular
Geometry term for right angle
A perpendicular line bisects the angle.
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Orthogonal
Unrelated in features
In the dataset, the variables were orthogonal.
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Perpendicular
Vertical or upright
The post stood perpendicular to the horizon.
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Orthogonal
Independence in vectors
The axes are orthogonal in a Cartesian plane.
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Perpendicular
Straight up and down
The cliff was almost perpendicular in its steepness.
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Orthogonal
Of or relating to a linear transformation that preserves the length of vectors.
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Perpendicular
Often Perpendicular Of or relating to a style of English Gothic architecture of the 1300s and 1400s, characterized by the use of fan vaulting and broad windows with many mullions.
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Orthogonal
Very different or unrelated; sharply divergent
"Radical Islamists are ultimately seeking to create something orthogonal to our model of democracy" (Richard A. Clarke).
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Orthogonal
(geometry) Of two objects, at right angles; perpendicular to each other.
A chord and the radius that bisects it are orthogonal.
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Perpendicular
(Mathematics) A line or plane perpendicular to a given line or plane.
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Orthogonal
Of a pair of vectors: having a zero inner product; perpendicular.
The normal vector and tangent vector at a given point are orthogonal.
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Perpendicular
A device, such as a plumb line, that is used in marking the vertical from a given point.
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Orthogonal
Of a square matrix: such that its transpose is equal to its inverse.
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Perpendicular
(geometry) At or forming a right angle (to something).
In most houses, the walls are perpendicular to the floor.
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Orthogonal
Of grid graphs, board games and polyominoes: vertical or horizontal but not diagonal.
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Perpendicular
Exactly upright; extending in a straight line toward the centre of the earth, etc.
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Orthogonal
Of a pair of elements in an ortholattice: each less than or equal to the orthocomplement of the other.
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Orthogonal
(statistics) Statistically independent, with reference to variates.
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Orthogonal
(software engineering) Of two or more aspects of a problem, able to be treated separately; of a design, exhibiting consistency and composability.
The content of the message should be orthogonal to the means of its delivery.
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Perpendicular
A device such as a plumb line that is used in making or marking a perpendicular line.
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Orthogonal
Of two or more problems or subjects, independent of or irrelevant to each other.
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Perpendicular
Exactly upright or vertical; pointing to the zenith; at right angles to the plane of the horizon; extending in a right line from any point toward the center of the earth.
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Orthogonal
Right-angled; rectangular; as, an orthogonal intersection of one curve with another.
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Perpendicular
At right angles to a given line or surface; as, the line ad is perpendicular to the line bc.
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Orthogonal
Not pertinent to the matter under consideration;
An issue extraneous to the debate
The price was immaterial
Mentioned several impertinent facts before finally coming to the point
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Perpendicular
A line at right angles to the plane of the horizon; a vertical line or direction.
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Perpendicular
A line or plane falling at right angles on another line or surface, or making equal angles with it on each side.
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Orthogonal
Having a set of mutually perpendicular axes; meeting at right angles;
Wind and sea may displace the ship's center of gravity along three orthogonal axes
A rectangular Cartesian coordinate system
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Perpendicular
A Gothic style in 14th and 15th century England; characterized by vertical lines and a four-centered (Tudor) arch and fan vaulting
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Orthogonal
Perpendicular in higher dimensions
Orthogonal planes intersect in three-dimensional space.
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Perpendicular
A cord from which a metal weight is suspended pointing directly to the earth's center of gravity; used to determine the vertical from a given point
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Perpendicular
Intersecting at or forming right angles;
The axes are perpendicular to each other
Parallel lines never converge
Concentric circles are parallel
Dancers in two parallel rows
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Perpendicular
At right angles to the plane of the horizon or a base line;
A vertical camera angle
The monument consists of two vertical pillars supporting a horizontal slab
Measure the perpendicular height
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Perpendicular
Meeting at a right angle
The wall is perpendicular to the floor.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does orthogonal mean in statistics?
It refers to variables that are uncorrelated or independent.
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How is orthogonal used in math?
To describe right angles or independent concepts.
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Are perpendicular lines always intersecting?
Yes, they intersect at a right angle.
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Can angles be perpendicular?
Angles themselves aren't perpendicular; their intersecting lines are.
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Are perpendicular roads safer?
Generally, as they create clear, right-angled intersections.
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Is perpendicularity only a physical concept?
It's mostly used for physical angles but can have abstract applications.
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Does orthogonal imply perpendicularity in 4D spaces?
Orthogonality can extend to perpendicularity in any dimension.
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What is a perpendicular line?
A line intersecting another at a 90-degree angle.
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Can functions be orthogonal?
Yes, in mathematics, orthogonal functions are independent.
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Do orthogonal lines have to cross?
In geometry, they do, but the concept can extend beyond physical crossing.
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Are all perpendicular lines orthogonal?
Yes, perpendicularity is a specific case of orthogonality.
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Does orthogonal mean the same in different fields?
Its basic meaning is consistent, but applications vary.
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Can furniture be designed perpendicularly?
Yes, with elements at right angles for stability and aesthetics.
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Is perpendicularity a relative concept?
It's relative to the specific lines or planes being compared.
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Is orthogonality a concept in art?
Yes, in abstract or geometric art, for depicting independent elements.
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Can orthogonal concepts be visualized?
Often, they're abstract and not easily visualized.
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Can vectors be orthogonal?
Yes, orthogonal vectors are at right angles to each other.
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Is perpendicular used in 3D geometry?
Yes, it's used to describe right angles in three dimensions.
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Are orthogonal methods used in computing?
Yes, in algorithms and data structure design.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Hifza Nasir
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