noun B1 Intermediate Common

curve

kurv

Curve (noun) means a smoothly bending line, with no sharp corners. Example: “The road follows a wide curve along the coast.”

noun

A smoothly bending line, with no sharp corners.

"The road follows a wide curve along the coast."

"She sketched a gentle curve to represent the growth rate."

A system of grading students relative to how the whole class performed, rather than against a fixed standard.

"The professor graded the exam on a curve."

verb

To bend gradually rather than at a sharp angle.

"The path curves to the left just past the bridge."

How to use curve

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA bend in a line or path, or (in school) a grading method based on the class average.

Common pairings

sharp curve learning curve graded on a curve

Word forms

curved past tense, curves plural, curves singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The road follows a wide _____ along the coast.

Etymology

From Latin curvus, "bent," tracing back to a very old root meaning "to bend or turn" that also gave English "curb" and "cancer" (via the curled shape of a crab).

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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bend arc bow curvature arch sweep

Related words

corner turning bow stroke surrender arc scan bend

Frequently asked questions

What does “curve” mean?

The word “curve” means a smoothly bending line, with no sharp corners. In plain terms, a bend in a line or path, or (in school) a grading method based on the class average.

How do you pronounce “curve”?

“Curve” is pronounced kurv (/kɚv/ in IPA).

How do you use “curve” in a sentence?

Here is “curve” used in a sentence: “The road follows a wide curve along the coast.”

What part of speech is “curve”?

Depending on how it is used, “curve” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “curve” come from?

The word “curve” comes from Latin. From Latin curvus, "bent," tracing back to a very old root meaning "to bend or turn" that also gave English "curb" and "cancer" (via the curled shape of a crab).

Is “curve” a common word?

“Curve” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “curve” have?

“Curve” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a smoothly bending line, with no sharp corners.

What is the difference between a curve and a line?

A line is usually straight, while a curve is a smoothly bending line with no sharp corners. In everyday use, "curve" specifically stresses the gradual bending shape.

What is the difference between a curve and an arc?

A curve is any smoothly bending line, while an arc is a portion of a curve, most often part of a circle. Every arc is a curve, but not every curve is an arc.

What is the difference between curve and bend?

As verbs, both mean to turn away from a straight path, but "curve" suggests a smooth, gradual change of direction, while "bend" can suggest a sharper or more deliberate turn. A road can curve gently or bend sharply.

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