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REFERENCE

curve

n. · v.
US //ˈkɝv// UK //kˈɜːv// curve
  1. 1 a smooth bend (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a line or surface that bends smoothly without any sharp corners.

    a continuous bending line or surface devoid of angles.

    Example

    The road has a sharp curve just before you reach the bridge.

    Example

    The driver struggled to maintain traction as the vehicle entered the hairpin curve at an excessive speed.
    • straight line
  2. 2 body shape (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    the rounded parts of a person's body, often used to describe an attractive shape.

    the anatomical contours of the human body, typically used in the plural to denote a shapely or attractive physique.

    Example

    The dress was designed to highlight her natural curves.

    Example

    The fashion industry has faced increasing pressure to feature models with diverse body types and natural curves rather than promoting a single aesthetic.
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  1. 3 grading system (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    a way of grading students where their marks depend on how well the rest of the class performed.

    a statistical method of assigning grades based on the distribution of scores within a cohort, often following a bell curve.

    Example

    The chemistry exam was so difficult that the professor decided to grade it on a curve.

    Example

    Students often prefer being graded on a curve when the raw scores are low, as it adjusts their final marks relative to the class average.
  2. 4 to bend (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to form a smooth, bending shape or to move in a bending path.

    to deviate from a straight line or course in a smooth, continuous manner.

    Example

    The river curves through the valley for several miles.

    Example

    The architect designed the glass facade to curve elegantly around the corner of the building, reflecting the surrounding parkland.
  3. 5 to reject someone (v.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    to ignore or reject someone who is trying to start a romantic relationship with you.

    to reject or rebuff a romantic or sexual advance, often by being evasive or ignoring the person.

    Example

    He tried to ask her out on a date, but she totally curved him.

    Example

    After several ignored messages, he finally realized she was curving him and decided to stop reaching out.

    Usage

    The verb is transitive and usually takes a person as the direct object.
Origin

Attested since the 1690s, from Latin curvus (“bent, curved”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European (s)ker- (“to bend, curve, turn”) + -wós. Doublet of curb, shrink, carcer, and cancer.

Word family

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