two-dimensional

UK: ˌtuːdaɪˈmenʃənl | US: ˌtuːdaɪˈmenʃənl

Definition

  1. adj. having or relating to two dimensions (length and width, but no depth)

  2. adj. lacking depth or complexity; superficial

Structure
two <number 2>dimension <measurement>al <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word combines "two" (Old English twā, meaning the number 2) with "dimension" (Latin dimensio, from dimetiri "to measure out"), and the suffix "-al" (Latin -alis, forming adjectives). It emerged in the early 19th century to describe geometric or abstract concepts limited to two measurable aspects (e.g., flat shapes). Later, it gained a figurative sense ("superficial") by metaphorically extending the idea of lacking depth.

Examples

  1. The artist created a two-dimensional sketch before starting the sculpture.

  2. In physics, a shadow is a two-dimensional projection of a three-dimensional object.

  3. Her analysis of the novel was criticized as two-dimensional and oversimplified.

  4. Early video games used two-dimensional graphics due to technical limitations.

  5. The map displays the two-dimensional coordinates of each landmark.