What does parabolically mean?
Parabolically is an adverb describing something that happens in a parabolic manner, especially motion along or in accordance with a parabola. The term is most common in mathematics, physics, and engineering, where a parabola is a symmetrical curve resembling an arch. For example, a projectile moving under ideal gravitational influence is often described as moving parabolically, because its idealized path can be represented by a parabola. The adverb can also describe the shape or arrangement of a surface or beam. In general writing, “parabolically” sounds technical and precise rather than conversational. It is related to the adjective “parabolic” and the noun “parabola,” and should not be confused with “hyperbolically,” which is more commonly used for rhetorical exaggeration but also has a distinct mathematical meaning.
adverbIn a manner involving or according to a parabola, especially in the form or motion of a parabolic curve.
- In a parabolic manner; according to or by means of a parabola.
"The projectile was launched parabolically, following the curved path predicted by the model."
"The light was directed parabolically toward the receiver, which collected the rays at its focus."
"The ball moved parabolically through the air before striking the ground."
A parabola is the symmetrical curve that gives a projectile its familiar arc when it is launched parabolically.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parabolically come from?
The adverb comes from the adjective “parabolic,” which in turn derives from “parabola.” “Parabola” comes from Latin, from Greek parabolē, a term associated with comparison and with the act of throwing or casting. The mathematical sense developed from the Greek word’s earlier use for a comparison of two quantities. The modern related words “parabolic” and “parabolically” developed from this same Greek and Latin lineage.
Related word forms
How parabolically is actually used
This is a formal, specialized adverb used mainly in mathematics, physics, engineering, and descriptive technical writing. In ordinary descriptive use, a sentence may be clearer if it says “in a parabolic arc” or “along a parabolic path.”
Easily confused with parabolically
Parabolically refers to motion or form governed by a parabola, whereas hyperbolically refers to exaggeration or, mathematically, a hyperbola.