B2noun1K

Curve

UK /["/kɜːv/"]/US /["/kɜːrv/"]/

Definition

a line or surface that bends gradually; a smooth bend

In simple words: A smooth, bending line or surface.

Examples

  • The road has a sharp curve that you need to navigate carefully.
  • The artist created a beautiful curve in her sculpture that drew a lot of attention.
  • In mathematics, the curve can represent a variety of functions.
  • He drew a curve on the graph to illustrate the trend over time.
  • The athlete improved his performance after focusing on the curve of his swing.

Usage notes

Use 'curve' when describing shapes or paths. It can be physical, like a road, or abstract, like a trend. It's appropriate in casual and formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

curve + object

Memory hint

Think of a car going around a smooth curve on a racetrack.

Collocations

  • steep
  • bell
  • normal
  • plot
  • flatten out
  • indicate something
  • show something
  • grade on a curve

Synonyms

  • bend

Antonyms

  • straight
  • level
  • flat

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'curved' as a verb form.
  • Using 'curve' to refer to a straight line.
  • Misusing in mathematical contexts without clarity.