Lateral vs. Horizontal: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
"Lateral" generally refers to the side or direction to the side, while "horizontal" specifically denotes a flat, level direction or plane parallel to the ground.
Key Differences
"Lateral" is a term that generally denotes something to the side or relating to the side. It could describe movement, position, or direction, and it is often used to denote something that is not in the central or main area. On the contrary, "horizontal" is a term that denotes something flat and level, parallel to the ground or to the horizon, and it is typically associated with concepts like balance and stability.
For instance, lateral movements in sports are those made side to side, demonstrating the flexible usage of "lateral" in describing direction. In comparison, a horizontal line is a straight line that runs from the left side of the frame to the right, representing the precise application of "horizontal" in describing orientation.
"Lateral" is also used to describe positions or structures that are situated on the side, or to the side of something central, emphasizing the relative nature of the term. For example, in human anatomy, lateral structures are those that are farther from the midline of the body. "Horizontal," in architecture or design, refers to elements that are parallel to the horizon, emphasizing symmetry and balance, such as horizontal beams or lines.
In the context of organization or management, lateral can refer to relationships or movements across a similar level of hierarchy, reflecting side-to-side interactions or transitions. For instance, a lateral job transfer refers to moving to a different position at the same level of hierarchy within an organization. In contrast, "horizontal" in organizational context usually refers to interactions or structures that span across different departments or functions but are at a similar level in the hierarchy, reflecting breadth and collaboration, such as horizontal integration.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Relating to the side or direction to the side.
Parallel to the ground or level with the horizon.
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Usage in Context
Can describe movement, position, or direction.
Typically describes orientation or alignment.
Application
Relative and can be in various contexts.
Specific, usually in terms of level alignment.
Relation to Other Elements
Side or direction to the side of a central point.
Parallel to the ground or horizon.
Symbolism
Flexibility or deviation from the central line.
Stability, balance, and symmetry.
Lateral and Horizontal Definitions
Lateral
Relating to the side.
The player made a quick lateral move.
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Horizontal
Extending across in a flat or level manner.
The horizontal stretch of land was vast.
Lateral
Indicating a deviation from the main or central line.
The road features several lateral exits.
Horizontal
Aligned level with the horizon.
The horizontal line divides the frame.
Lateral
Pertaining to a position or direction to the side.
Lateral branches extended from the tree trunk.
Horizontal
Referring to flat or level alignment.
Place the book on a horizontal surface.
Lateral
Of, relating to, or situated at or on the side.
Horizontal
Denoting balance and stability due to level alignment.
The horizontal beam supports the structure.
Lateral
Of or constituting a change within an organization or hierarchy to a position at a similar level, as in salary or responsibility, to the one being left
Made a lateral move within the company.
Horizontal
Of, relating to, or near the horizon.
Lateral
(Linguistics) Of, relating to, or being a sound produced by breath passing along one or both sides of the tongue.
Horizontal
Parallel to or in the plane of the horizon.
Lateral
A lateral part, projection, passage, or appendage.
Horizontal
At right angles to a vertical line.
Lateral
(Football) A lateral pass.
Horizontal
Occupying or restricted to the same level in a hierarchy
A horizontal study of verbal ability.
A horizontal transfer by an employee.
Lateral
(Linguistics) A lateral sound, such as (l).
Horizontal
(Medicine) Of or relating to transmission of infection by contact with or physical proximity to an infected individual or fomite.
Lateral
To execute a lateral pass.
Horizontal
Something, such as a line, plane, or object, that is horizontal.
Lateral
To pass (the ball) sideways or backward.
Horizontal
Perpendicular to the vertical; parallel to the plane of the horizon; level, flat.
Horizontal lines
Lateral
To the side; of or pertaining to the side.
Instead of a promotion, I opted for a lateral move to a similar position in the marketing department.
Horizontal
(marketing) Relating to horizontal markets
Lateral
Situated on one side or other of the body or of an organ, especially in the region furthest from the median plane.
The medial side of the knee faces the other knee, while the outer side of the knee is lateral.
A fish senses changes in hydrodynamic pressure with its lateral line.
Horizontal
(archaic) Pertaining to the horizon.
Lateral
(disease) Affecting the side or sides of the body, or confined to one side of the body.
Horizontal
(wine) Involving wines of the same vintages but from different wineries.
Lateral
(physics) Acting or placed at right angles to a line of motion or strain.
Horizontal
Having the two notes sound successively.
Lateral
(UK) Non-linear or unconventional, as in, lateral thinking.
Horizontal
Relating to sexual intercourse.
Horizontal tango
Lateral
Pertaining to speech sounds generated by partially blocking the egress of the airstream with the tongue, leaving space on one or both sides of the occlusion for air passage.
Horizontal
A horizontal component of a structure.
Lateral
An object, such as a passage or a protrusion, that is situated on the side of something else.
Horizontal
(geology) Horizon.
Lateral
(linguistics) A sound produced through lateral pronunciation (such as /l/ in lateral).
Horizontal
A Tasmanian shrub or small tree whose main trunk tends to lean over and grow horizontally, Anodopetalum biglandulosum
Lateral
(American football) A lateral pass.
Horizontal
Pertaining to, or near, the horizon.
Lateral
(business) An employee hired for a position at the same organizational level or salary as their previous position.
Horizontal
Parallel to the horizon; on a level; as, a horizontalline or surface.
Lateral
To move (oneself or something) in a lateral direction.
Horizontal
Measured or contained in a plane of the horizon; as, horizontal distance.
Lateral
(American football) To execute a lateral pass.
Horizontal
Something that is oriented horizontally
Lateral
Of or pertaining to the sides; as, the lateral walls of a house; the lateral branches of a tree.
Horizontal
Parallel to or in the plane of the horizon or a base line;
A horizontal surface
A vertical camera angle
The monument consists of two vertical pillars supporting a horizontal slab
Measure the perpendicular height
Lateral
Lying at, or extending toward, the side; away from the mesial plane; external; - opposed to mesial.
Horizontal
Parallel to the ground or horizon.
The shelf is perfectly horizontal.
Lateral
Directed to the side; as, a lateral view of a thing.
Lateral
A short pass to a receiver who is upfield from the passer, i.e. is behind the passer relative to the direction of the passer's goal.
Lateral
A part or extension of something that points sideways, as a drift in a mine that goes to the side from the main one.
Lateral
To pass the footbal to a receiver who is behind the passer; to make a lateral pass; as, the ball was lateraled to the fullback, who ran it for a touchdown.
Lateral
A pass to a receiver upfield from the passer
Lateral
Situated at or extending to the side;
The lateral branches of a tree
Shot out sidelong boughs
Lateral
Lying away from the median and sagittal plane of a body;
Lateral lemniscus
Lateral
Situated on the side of a structure.
The building has lateral extensions.
Lateral
Reflecting side-to-side movement or direction.
The lateral pass was intercepted.
FAQs
Does "lateral" primarily refer to the side?
Yes, "lateral" generally refers to the side or relates to something on the side.
Can "lateral" describe movements and positions?
Yes, "lateral" can describe both movements to the side and positions on the side.
Does "horizontal" convey a sense of stability and balance?
Yes, "horizontal" often conveys stability and balance due to its level alignment.
Is "lateral" relative to a central point or line?
Yes, "lateral" is often relative to a central point or line and denotes direction to the side.
Is "horizontal" specifically level with the ground or horizon?
Yes, "horizontal" denotes something parallel to the ground or horizon.
Can "lateral" indicate deviation from the main line?
Yes, "lateral" can indicate a deviation or movement away from the main or central line.
Can "lateral" refer to structures situated on the side?
Yes, "lateral" can refer to structures or elements situated to the side of something central.
Can "horizontal" refer to elements in art and architecture?
Yes, "horizontal" can refer to elements in art and architecture that are aligned level with the horizon.
Can "lateral" imply flexibility in direction or movement?
Yes, "lateral" often implies flexibility or variability in direction or movement to the side.
Can "horizontal" depict the breadth and collaboration in organizations?
Yes, "horizontal" can depict interactions or structures spanning across different departments at a similar level in organizations.
Can "horizontal" represent symmetry in design?
Yes, horizontal elements in design often represent symmetry and balance.
Is "lateral" used in various contexts like sports and anatomy?
Yes, "lateral" is versatile and used in various contexts to denote side-related concepts.
Does "lateral" describe side-to-side interactions in organizations?
Yes, "lateral" can describe interactions or movements at a similar level of hierarchy in organizations.
Is a lateral pass in sports a side-to-side pass?
Yes, a lateral pass in sports typically refers to a pass made to the side.
Is a horizontal line straight and level?
Yes, a horizontal line is straight and runs level with the horizon or ground.
Can "lateral" be used to describe anatomical structures on the side of the body?
Yes, "lateral" is used in anatomy to describe structures located on the side, away from the midline.
Is "horizontal" associated with flat or level surfaces?
Yes, "horizontal" is associated with surfaces that are flat or level.
Does "horizontal" typically describe orientation or alignment?
Yes, "horizontal" typically describes the orientation or alignment of objects or lines parallel to the ground.
Does "horizontal" imply uniformity across a level plane?
Yes, "horizontal" implies uniformity and consistency across a level plane or line.
Does "horizontal" in geometry refer to a straight line that runs left to right?
Yes, in geometry, a horizontal line is a straight line that runs from left to right and is parallel to the x-axis.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
