curve
kurv
Curve (noun) means a smoothly bending line, with no sharp corners. Example: “The river makes a lazy curve around the edge of the town.”
noun
1
A smoothly bending line, with no sharp corners.
"The river makes a lazy curve around the edge of the town."
"The road follows a wide curve along the coast."
"She sketched a gentle curve to represent the growth rate."
2
A system of grading students relative to how the whole class performed, rather than against a fixed standard.
"Because the test was so hard, the teacher decided to mark it on a curve."
"Students were glad that the course was graded on a curve this term."
"The professor graded the exam on a curve."
verb
1
To bend gradually rather than at a sharp angle.
"The railway line curves gently through the valley before reaching the station."
"Her lips curved into a smile when she saw the puppy."
"The path curves to the left just past the bridge."
How to use curve
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- curves
- Third person singular
- curves
- Past tense
- curved
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The river makes a lazy _____ around the edge of the town.
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).
Synonyms
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Related words
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.
