horizontal bar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical (Gymnastics), Figurative (General)
Quick answer
What does “horizontal bar” mean?
A long, straight bar fixed horizontally, especially the apparatus used in gymnastics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long, straight bar fixed horizontally, especially the apparatus used in gymnastics.
Any bar, line, or feature positioned parallel to the horizon; a standard or level used for comparison or measurement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The gymnastic apparatus is universally known as the 'horizontal bar'. The term 'high bar' is also commonly used in both varieties.
Connotations
Primarily associated with men's artistic gymnastics. Figurative use is neutral.
Frequency
Higher frequency in sports contexts. Figurative use (e.g., 'setting the horizontal bar') is less common but understood.
Grammar
How to Use “horizontal bar” in a Sentence
[perform/compete] + on + the horizontal bar[the horizontal bar] + is + [set/raised] + to + [level/standard][draw/add] + a horizontal bar + [on/across] + [chart/line]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The new policy sets a horizontal bar for ethical standards across all departments.'
Academic
In data visualization: 'A horizontal bar on the graph indicates the baseline measurement.'
Everyday
Referring to a fixture: 'We need to install a horizontal bar in the doorway for pull-ups.'
Technical
In gymnastics: 'The routine on the horizontal bar requires immense upper body strength and precision.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “horizontal bar”
- Using 'horizontal bar' to refer to 'parallel bars' (a different apparatus). Confusing 'bar chart' with 'horizontal bar chart' (a specific type).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different gymnastic apparatus. The horizontal bar is a single bar, while parallel bars are two bars parallel to each other.
In artistic gymnastics, the horizontal bar is a men's event. Women have the uneven bars apparatus.
It is used to denote a fixed standard, level, or benchmark against which things are measured, extending from the idiom 'to set the bar'.
Yes, in gymnastics, 'high bar' is a common synonym for the 'horizontal bar' apparatus.
A long, straight bar fixed horizontally, especially the apparatus used in gymnastics.
Horizontal bar is usually technical (gymnastics), figurative (general) in register.
Horizontal bar: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒr.ɪˈzɒn.təl ˈbɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɔːr.əˈzɑːn.t̬əl ˈbɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Set/raise the bar (horizontal bar is not part of this idiom but conceptually related)”
- “Bar is set high/low”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the horizon - a flat line where the sky meets the earth. A 'horizontal bar' is like that line, but made solid and raised up.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STANDARD IS A BAR (He set the bar very high). A CONSTRAINT IS A BAR (The new regulations are a horizontal bar to progress).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'horizontal bar' used literally and specifically?