arc
9 synonyms for arc, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A curved line, especially part of the edge of a circle.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A curved line, especially part of the edge of a circle.
“The fireworks left a bright arc of light against the dark sky.”
How to use arc
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
story arc
character arc
electric arc
Etymology
From Latin arcus, "a bow or arch", the same root that gives us "arch" and "arrow".
Full origin of arc →Frequently asked questions
What does “arc” mean?
The word “arc” means a curved line, especially part of the edge of a circle. In plain terms, a curved line or path — or, in storytelling, the shape a character's journey takes over time.
How do you pronounce “arc”?
“Arc” is pronounced ahk (/ɑɹk/ in IPA).
How do you use “arc” in a sentence?
Here is “arc” used in a sentence: “The ball traced a wide arc across the sky.”
What part of speech is “arc”?
Depending on how it is used, “arc” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “arc” come from?
The word “arc” comes from Latin. From Latin arcus, "a bow or arch", the same root that gives us "arch" and "arrow".
Is “arc” a common word?
“Arc” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “arc” have?
“Arc” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a curved line, especially part of the edge of a circle.
What is the difference between 'arc' and 'arch'?
An 'arc' is a curved line, especially part of the edge of a circle, and it also describes a story's overall shape or a character's development. An 'arch' is a curved physical structure that spans an opening, such as a doorway or bridge, though the two words are related in the idea of a curve.
What is the difference between 'arc' and 'ark'?
These are homophones that sound alike but mean different things. An 'arc' is a curved line or a story's progression, while an 'ark' is a large boat, most famously Noah's ark; only 'arc' carries the meaning of a curve or narrative shape.
