Definition

In a direction that is longer than it is wide, or along the length of something.

Example

The rope was laid longways across the field.

Conversation

Did you see how they arranged the chairs longways for the event?

Yeah, it really opened up the space nicely.

I thought it was a smart way to fit more people in.

Definitely! It made the whole area feel more inviting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Longways → It is formed from "long" (from Old English "lang", meaning having a great distance) and "-ways" (from Old English "weg", meaning way or manner). The word "longways" describes a manner or direction that is along the length of something.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'long' in distance and moving 'along' that length — that's what 'longways' means.

Visually Confused Words