lateral thinking


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Related to lateral thinking: Vertical thinking

lateral thinking

n
(Psychology) a way of solving problems by rejecting traditional methods and employing unorthodox and apparently illogical means
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

lateral thinking

, vertical thinking - Lateral thinking is illogical; vertical thinking is logical.
See also related terms for vertical.
Farlex Trivia Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Noun1.lateral thinking - a heuristic for solving problems; you try to look at the problem from many angles instead of tackling it head-on
heuristic, heuristic program, heuristic rule - a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
Translations

lateral thinking

n → unkonventionelles Denken, Querdenken nt
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007

lateral thinking

n → pensiero laterale
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
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References in periodicals archive ?
With computer games, it seems to be all about brain-finger-thumb coordination and lateral thinking - none of which are my strong suits.
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Wonderful inventive, lateral thinking. Fun and chuckles.
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That said, I am surprised Andy Street has not applied a little psychology and lateral thinking by appointing one of the six Labour members of the authority.
Surprised at choice for deputy mayor; Get in touch - tell us what you think Email: letters@birminghammail.co.uk Twitter: @birminghammail Facebook: facebook.com/birminghammail Post: Birmingham Mail, Floor 6, Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, B24 9FF
I always think of it as a piece of lateral thinking - if you can't stop the rusting then use it as a protective coat.
Rust isn't such a bad thing; Letters

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