C1verb1K

Bounce

UK /["/baʊns/","/ˈbaʊnsɪz/","/baʊnst/","/ˈbaʊnsɪŋ/"]/US /["/baʊns/","/ˈbaʊnsɪz/","/baʊnst/","/ˈbaʊnsɪŋ/"]/

Definition

if something bounces or you bounce it, it moves quickly away from a surface it has just hit or you make it do this

In simple words: to move up and down or back and forth quickly

Examples

The basketball managed to bounce high off the court.
She decided to bounce back from her failure and try again.
The email bounced because the address was incorrect.
He managed to bounce ideas off his colleagues during the meeting.
The cat loves to bounce around the room when it's excited.
They watched as the children bounce on the trampoline.
After some initial setbacks, she was able to bounce back stronger than ever.

Usage notes

Use 'bounce' to describe ball-like motion. It’s common in both casual and descriptive contexts. Avoid using it in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

bounce + object

Memory hint

Think of a ball 'boun-cing' up and down.

Collocations

high
back
off
against
around
down

Synonyms

rebound
spring
vault
jump

Antonyms

settle
stay
drop

Common mistakes

Using 'bounced' incorrectly with non-physical objects, like ideas.
Confusing 'bounce' with 'jump' when referring to people.
Mispronouncing 'bounce' as 'bunc' or similar.