rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryplumbExact position or direction
adverb / adjective

plumb

Exactly aligned with a specified point or direction.

The carpenter checks that each post is plumb before securing it.

Etymology
plumbLatinlead

Lead supplied the weight on a plumb line. The line's precise vertical alignment gave plumb the broader adverbial sense of exactly or directly.

More examples

  • The ball lands plumb in the middle of the bucket.
  • The bench sits plumb below the window.
  • This wall is straight, but it isn't plumb.

Forms

plumb

Similar words

vertical
Specifies an up-and-down orientation rather than any exact position.
upright
Means standing straight up, without necessarily implying precise alignment.
directly
Emphasizes a straight path or immediate position, not vertical alignment.