The word "lengthwise" is spelled with the letters "l-e-n-g-t-h-w-i-s-e" and is pronounced /ˈlɛŋθwaɪz/. The first syllable "len" is pronounced with a short "e" sound, followed by a "gth" cluster with a silent "g" sound. The "w" and "i" in "wise" are pronounced together as a diphthong (a single sound made up of two vowels). The stress is on the first syllable. "Lengthwise" means to go or place something in the direction of its length.
Lengthwise is an adverb that refers to the direction along the length of something, in line with its longest dimension. It describes the manner or orientation in which an object, shape, or entity is aligned or positioned in a linear manner, following the course of its length. This term is often used to indicate a movement, position, or measurement that extends from one end of an object to the other, parallel to its longest side or dimension.
When referring to physical objects, "lengthwise" implies a direction or action that occurs from the beginning to the end of an item, maintaining consistency along its length. For example, if a log is cut lengthwise, it means it is sliced through its longest dimension, resulting in two halves that are parallel to each other and maintain the same length.
In a more abstract sense, "lengthwise" can be used to describe an approach or perspective within a context or situation that considers the entire extent or duration of something. It implies addressing the full scope or span of an issue, discussion, or analysis.
Overall, "lengthwise" indicates a directional or positional reference along the longest dimension of an object or a comprehensive approach that encompasses the entirety of a matter.
In the direction of the length; at length, at last; in conclusion.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "lengthwise" is formed by combining the words "length" and "wise".
The word "length" dates back to Middle English and is derived from the Old English word "lengthu" or "lengþu". It ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic root "langithō", meaning "result of lengthening". In Old English, "length" referred to the measurement of how long something is.
The word "wise" is also of Old English origin, coming from the word "wīs" which means "manner" or "way". It is connected to the Old High German word "wīsa" and the Old Norse word "vīss".
When "length" and "wise" are combined, the resulting word "lengthwise" literally means "in the manner of length" or "in the direction of length".