English Reference

Word

curve

US/ˈkɝv/

UK/kˈɜːv/

Definitions

01a smooth bend

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

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

n. a continuous bending line or surface devoid of angles.

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

“The driver struggled to maintain traction as the vehicle entered the hairpin curve at an excessive speed.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

straight line

02body shape

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Informal

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

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

“The dress was designed to highlight her natural curves.”

“The fashion industry has faced increasing pressure to feature models with diverse body types and natural curves rather than promoting a single aesthetic.”

03grading system

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun American English

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

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

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

“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.”

04to bend

B1 · Intermediate

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

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

“The river curves through the valley for several miles.”

“The architect designed the glass facade to curve elegantly around the corner of the building, reflecting the surrounding parkland.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

05to reject someone

C1 · Advanced Slang · Informal

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

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

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

“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.

Synonyms

rejectsnubrebuff

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “curve” in context.

Verb

01. follow the curve

“The coastal path follows the natural curve of the bay for several miles.”

verb + noun

02. negotiate a curve

“The driver had to slow down significantly to safely negotiate a sharp curve in the road.”

verb + noun

03. throw a curve ball

“The interviewer threw me a curve ball when she asked about my greatest failure.”

verb + adj + noun

Adjective

04. gentle curve

“The river flows in a gentle curve through the valley.”

adj + noun

05. sharp curve

“Be careful when you drive around that sharp curve near the cliff edge.”

adj + noun

06. steep learning curve

“New employees often face a steep learning curve during their first week on the job.”

adj + noun

Preposition

07. ahead of the curve

“The tech company stays ahead of the curve by investing heavily in research and development.”

prep + noun + prep

08. around the curve

“A small cottage came into view as we walked around the curve of the hill.”

prep + noun

Real-World Examples

“The light curve (LC)—a graph of how the explosion's light changes over time—told a different story.”
Phys.org 16 Aug 2026
“Google is actually ahead of the curve here.”
Ars Technica 29 Jul 2026
“It certainly wouldn’t be something they’d reach on the first few times, on their first model; but over time, and with a learning curve, why not?”
Ars Technica 9 Jul 2026

Etymology

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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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