# curve

/ˈkɝv/ (US) · /kˈɜːv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/curve
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a smooth bend

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. body shape

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. grading system

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to bend

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to reject someone

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The road has a sharp curve ahead.
- She tried to ask him out on a date, but he gave her the curve by not replying to her messages.
- The architect designed the building with a sweeping glass curve that reflects the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless visual transition between the structure and the park.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.