Meaning
- Latitude is a noun with two main meanings:
- In geography, it refers to the distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees.
- Figuratively, it means freedom or flexibility to act, make decisions, or interpret something.
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: Noun (uncountable, sometimes countable).
- Geographic use: usually with numbers and degrees (e.g., "at 40° latitude").
- Figurative use: often used with verbs like allow, give, have, grant.
Patterns:
- at + latitude → "at 35 degrees latitude"
- latitude to do sth → "The manager gave us latitude to adjust our schedule."
Common Phrases
- high latitude – regions far from the equator
- low latitude – regions near the equator
- latitude and longitude – coordinates used in maps
- give latitude – allow freedom or flexibility
Collocations
- grant latitude
- have latitude
- latitude for action
- latitude in interpretation
- latitude of choice
Examples
- Tokyo is located at a latitude of about 35° north.
- The Arctic Circle lies at a very high latitude.
- The teacher gave students latitude in choosing their project topics.
- Different latitudes have different climates.
- Managers should give employees some latitude to make decisions.
- The ship was sailing at a latitude close to the equator.
- The new policy provides more latitude in how resources can be used.
- At higher latitudes, days are longer in summer and shorter in winter.
Synonyms or Related
- freedom, flexibility, leeway, scope (figurative sense)
- parallel (geographic sense)
Antonym
- restriction, limitation, constraint (figurative sense)
- longitude (as the complementary coordinate, not direct opposite but paired concept)