Phrasal verb
hunch over
Definition
phrasal verb. to bend your body forward and down so that your back is curved. You often do this when you are working at a desk or looking closely at something.
phrasal verb. To flex the upper torso forward and downward, resulting in a rounded or convex spinal posture. This verb often appears in the passive-stative form 'be hunched over' to describe a physical state.
Examples
“He often hunches over his desk while studying.”
“The mechanic spent the entire afternoon hunching over the engine, trying to find the source of the leak.”
“The jeweler remained hunched over his workbench, meticulously adjusting the tiny gears of the watch with a pair of silver tweezers.”
Examples
simple
“He often hunches over his desk while studying.”
contextual
“The mechanic spent the entire afternoon hunching over the engine, trying to find the source of the leak.”
complex
“The jeweler remained hunched over his workbench, meticulously adjusting the tiny gears of the watch with a pair of silver tweezers.”
Usage
Usually followed by a noun like 'desk', 'laptop', or 'book'.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'slouch' to show that 'hunch' specifically describes the rounded shape of the back rather than just poor sitting posture.
Pitfall
He was hunched on his desk.
He was hunched over his desk.
The preposition 'over' is required to describe the arched position of the body; 'on' is a common mistake for learners.
Phrasal verb
Particles
over
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
hunch + over (+ object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- 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
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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