ordinate
C1Formal, technical
Definition
Meaning
The second coordinate in a Cartesian pair (y-coordinate), representing vertical position; or to arrange or command in an orderly manner.
In mathematics, the vertical coordinate in a two-dimensional graph. As a verb (rare), to ordain or arrange systematically. In ecclesiastical contexts, to appoint to a religious office.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In mathematics, always used in relation to 'abscissa' (x-coordinate). As a verb, largely archaic except in specific ecclesiastical/formal contexts. Shares etymology with 'order' and 'ordination'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in meaning or usage; both regions use it identically in mathematical contexts. The verb form is equally rare in both.
Connotations
Technical/formal connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; appears primarily in academic/mathematical texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The ordinate is [adjective]Find the ordinate of [noun]Plot [value] on the ordinateVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in mathematics, physics, and engineering textbooks/lectures when discussing Cartesian coordinates.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would be misunderstood by most speakers.
Technical
Standard term in geometry, data visualization, and coordinate systems.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The bishop will ordinate three new deacons next month.
- The committee sought to ordinate the proceedings more efficiently.
American English
- The conference will ordinate the various research panels thematically.
- He was ordinated as a priest in a formal ceremony.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- The ordinate axis is clearly labelled.
- She calculated the ordinate values for the graph.
American English
- Check the ordinate scale before plotting.
- The ordinate measurement was inaccurate.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Look at the graph. The number up the side is the ordinate.
- To find the point, you need both the abscissa and the ordinate.
- The researcher plotted the dependent variable on the ordinate axis.
- In this coordinate system, the ordinate represents the vertical displacement from the origin.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember ORDINATE = ORDER + VERTICAL. It puts things in order vertically.
Conceptual Metaphor
Vertical measurement is the second in command (after the horizontal abscissa).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not to be confused with 'ординарный' (ordinary).
- In Russian математика, it's 'ордината' (same Latin root), but the false cognate is the main trap.
- Avoid translating verb 'ordinate' as 'организовывать' (to organize) in modern contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'ordinate' to mean 'organize' in modern English (archaic).
- Confusing it with 'abscissa'.
- Pronouncing it /ɔːrˈdaɪ.neɪt/ (incorrect).
- Using it as a common adjective meaning 'orderly'.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most closely associated with 'ordinate' in a mathematical context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, technical term used almost exclusively in mathematics and related fields.
Yes, but it is archaic and rare. It means to arrange systematically or to ordain (appoint to a religious office). In modern English, 'organize' or 'arrange' are preferred for the general meaning.
In a standard (x, y) coordinate pair, the abscissa is the x-coordinate (horizontal), and the ordinate is the y-coordinate (vertical). They are always used together.
In both British and American English, the stress is on the first syllable: OR-di-nate. The main vowel difference is in the first syllable: /ɔː/ in British, /ɔːr/ in American.