Definition

1. Noun:

   • A line that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous way: A "curve" is a line that is not straight, having a gradual bend without angles.
   • A curved shape or form: The property of being curved or having a rounded shape.
   • A graphic representation of data: A line on a graph connecting points that represent values.
   • A type of pitched ball in baseball: A pitch thrown with spin, causing its path to bend as it approaches the batter.

2. Verb:

   • To bend or cause to bend in a smooth, arching line: To form or make something into a curve.
   • To follow or have a curved path: To extend or move in a direction that is not straight.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The artist drew a perfect curve on the canvas.
  • There is a sharp curve in the road ahead.
  • The graph shows a steep upward curve in sales.
  • The pitcher threw a nasty curve that the batter missed.

• Verb:

  • The river curves gently through the valley.
  • She curved the wire into a heart shape.
  • The old tree's branches curve toward the ground.

Advanced Usage

• "To throw someone a curve (ball)": To surprise someone with an unexpected problem or question.

  • The interviewer threw me a curve with a question about ancient history.

• "Ahead of/behind the curve": Being more/less advanced than current trends or standards.

  • Their technology is ahead of the curve.
  • The company is behind the curve in adopting new software.

Variants and Related Words

• Curved (adj): Having the shape of a curve; bent.
  • The bridge has a curved arch.
• Curvature (n): The degree to which something is curved.
  • The curvature of the lens is precise.
• Curvy (adj): Having many curves; often used to describe a shape or road.
  • She drove carefully on the curvy mountain road.

Synonyms

• Noun: Arc, bend, arch, turn, bow.
• Verb: Bend, arc, arch, wind, twist.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Curve around: To follow a path that bends around something.
  • The hiking trail curves around the lake.

Related Idioms

• "To learn curve": The rate of learning a new skill.
  • The job has a steep learning curve, but you'll master it.

Noun

1. curved segment (of a road or river or railroad track etc.)
2. the property possessed by the curving of a line or surface
3. a pitch of a baseball that is thrown with spin so that its path curves as it approaches the batter
4. a line on a graph representing data
5. the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes

Verb

1. form a curl, curve, or kink
   • the cigar smoke curled up at the ceiling
2. bend or cause to bend
   • He crooked his index finger
   • the road curved sharply
3. form an arch or curve
   • her back arches
   • her hips curve nicely
4. extend in curves and turns
   • The road winds around the lake
   • the path twisted through the forest
5. turn sharply; change direction abruptly
   • The car cut to the left at the intersection
   • The motorbike veered to the right