1
Core quality
Relating to physical space, position, distance, direction, size, or the arrangement of objects.
Example
The map reveals the spatial distribution of rainfall.
spatial
/ˈspeɪʃəl/ · SPAY-shuladjective
Relating to physical space, position, distance, direction, size, or the arrangement of objects.
Use spatial to express this relationship precisely: relating to physical space, position, distance, direction, size, or the arrangement of objects.
What spatial Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Spatial reasoning helps users interpret three-dimensional forms.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Researchers analysed spatial relationships among the settlements.
Use spatial Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The map reveals the spatial distribution of rainfall.
Spatial reasoning helps users interpret three-dimensional forms.
Researchers analysed spatial relationships among the settlements.
Precision Matters
Spatial overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
spatial
vs.Means relating to physical space, position, distance, direction, size, or the arrangement of objects.
morphological
Means relating to the form, structure, or arrangement of organisms, words, or other things.
spatial
vs.Means relating to physical space, position, distance, direction, size, or the arrangement of objects.
celestial
Means relating to the sky, heavens, or objects in outer space.
spatial
vs.Means relating to physical space, position, distance, direction, size, or the arrangement of objects.
acoustic
Means relating to sound, hearing, or the way sound behaves in a space or material.
spatial
vs.Means relating to physical space, position, distance, direction, size, or the arrangement of objects.
sequential
Means following or arranged in a particular order, with one step, event, or item after another.
Test spatial in Context
The relationship concerns physical location and distance.
1
A map was necessary to show the ___ relationship between the wells and nearby farms.