lateral thinking
[ lat-er-uhl thing-king ]
/ ˈlæt ər əl ˈθɪŋ kɪŋ /
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noun
an approach to problem solving that involves nontraditional thought processes such as free association of ideas, creative analogy, pattern recognition, intuition, etc.: This position requires lateral thinking, collaborative skills, and the ability to deal with ambiguity.Compare vertical thinking.
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Origin of lateral thinking
Coined in 1967 by Maltese psychologist E. de Bono (1933–2021)
Words nearby lateral thinking
lateral meristem, lateral moraine, lateral pass, lateral resistance, lateral system, lateral thinking, Lateran, Lateran Council, Lateran Palace, Later Han, laterigrade
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use lateral thinking in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for lateral thinking
lateral thinking
noun
a way of solving problems by rejecting traditional methods and employing unorthodox and apparently illogical means
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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