position line: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (C2)Technical/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “position line” mean?
A line on a map or chart on which an observer is located, determined by a single observation (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A line on a map or chart on which an observer is located, determined by a single observation (e.g., from celestial navigation or a single bearing).
Any line, real or conceptual, that indicates a specific location, orientation, or alignment. In broader contexts, it can refer to a defined stance or viewpoint on an issue.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in technical meaning. Spelling conventions follow national norms (e.g., 'centre' vs 'center' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Identical technical connotation. Potential slight difference in broader metaphorical use; 'line' in BrE might more readily imply 'party line' or 'official stance'.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialist in both dialects. Almost exclusively used in navigation contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “position line” in a Sentence
The navigator plotted a position line from the lighthouse bearing.A position line was obtained using the midday sun sight.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “position line” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to position line the vessel before the tide turns.
- They position lined the observation on the chart.
American English
- We need to position line the boat before the tide turns.
- They position lined the sighting on the chart.
adverb
British English
- The ship was sailing position-line accurately.
- (Rare to non-existent usage)
American English
- The boat was sailing position line accurately.
- (Rare to non-existent usage)
adjective
British English
- The position-line data was critical for the crossing.
- He reviewed the position-line chart.
American English
- The position line data was critical for the crossing.
- He reviewed the position line chart.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in standard business contexts. Could metaphorically describe a company's stated market stance.
Academic
Used in historical, geographical, or maritime studies papers discussing navigation techniques.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in marine navigation, aviation navigation, and orienteering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “position line”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “position line”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “position line”
- Using 'position line' to mean a queue of people ('We stood in a position line').
- Confusing it with 'finish line' or 'starting line' in sports.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A contour line connects points of equal elevation on a map. A position line indicates a line of possible location based on an observation.
It is an extremely technical term. In metaphorical use, it might describe a philosophical or political alignment, but this is very rare.
The common abbreviation is 'LOP', which stands for 'Line Of Position'.
Yes, the concept is identical in aerial navigation, though modern avionics often automate the process.
A line on a map or chart on which an observer is located, determined by a single observation (e.
Position line is usually technical/specialist in register.
Position line: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈzɪʃən laɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˈzɪʃən laɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Crossing the position line (entering a defined area/commitment)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ship's captain drawing a LINE on a map where he thinks his POSITION might be.
Conceptual Metaphor
A POSITION LINE is a PATH/ALIGNMENT that leads to knowledge of LOCATION.
Practice
Quiz
What is required to get a precise 'fix' in navigation?