one-dimensional

/ˌwʌn daɪˈmenʃənl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌwʌn daɪˈmenʃənl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈwən-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl also -dī-/ (ame, mw)

one-dimensional — adjective

1. extending in only one direction, like a line with length but no width or depth.

1.形容詞C1
釋義

extending in only one direction, like a line with length but no width or depth.

例句

The map showed the road as a one-dimensional black line.

visualized as a line with one measured direction

In class, Nora drew a one-dimensional line before making a rectangle.

contrast: line first, then added width

同義詞
  • linear

    often used in maths or science for something arranged along a line

  • line-like

    more descriptive and less technical than 'one-dimensional'

  • single-axis

    technical wording that stresses measurement in one direction

反義詞

用法筆記

Mostly used in technical or mathematical descriptions of lines, models, paths, and signals. In everyday speech, people often explain the idea more simply by saying something is 'just a line.'

常見錯誤

❌A map is one-dimensional because it is flat.
✅A map is two-dimensional because it has length and width.
💡'one-dimensional' means something extends in only one direction, like a line.

2. showing only one simple side of a person, idea, or story, so it feels flat and d

2.形容詞C1
釋義

showing only one simple side of a person, idea, or story, so it feels flat and dull.

例句

The villain felt one-dimensional, always angry and never afraid.

criticism of a character with only one trait

Lisa quit the novel after three chapters because the hero seemed one-dimensional.

book review language for a flat main character

同義詞
  • flat

    very common in reviews of characters and stories

  • shallow

    broader and often used for people or ideas that lack depth

  • simplistic

    especially used for explanations that reduce a complex issue too much

反義詞
  • nuanced

    shows fine differences and more than one side

  • complex

    has many parts, motives, or layers

  • layered

    often used for characters or stories with depth

用法筆記

Usually used critically about characters, arguments, portrayals, or public discussion that show only one obvious side. It often suggests that important feelings, motives, or facts have been left out.

常見錯誤

❌The report was one-dimensional because it was only one page long.
✅The report was one-dimensional because it showed only one side of the problem.
💡this sense is about lack of depth, not physical size.