Bounced Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bounced

[baสŠnst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical action

To bounce means to move quickly away from a surface after hitting it, often used to describe the action of a ball or similar object. This action involves an elastic rebound that can vary in height depending on the object's materials and the force applied. Bouncing can also refer to a sudden movement or a lively demeanor. In physical activity or sports, bouncing is often used to describe the motion of athletes or equipment.

Synonyms

rebound, ricochet, spring.

Examples of usage

  • The ball bounced off the wall.
  • She watched the children bounce on the trampolines.
  • He bounced back quickly after the setback.
Context #2 | Verb

emotional response

In a more abstract sense, to bounce can describe a person's emotional state, indicating a quick recovery from disappointment or adversity. It suggests resilience and an ability to regain oneโ€™s spirits rapidly after a negative experience. This usage often pertains to someoneโ€™s mood being lifted or improved, akin to bouncing back to happiness.

Synonyms

recover, regain, rejuvenate.

Examples of usage

  • She was feeling down, but she bounced back with a smile.
  • After the bad news, it took him a while to bounce back.
  • Even after failures, her optimism helped her bounce.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Physics

  • When an object bounces, itโ€™s because of an interaction between kinetic energy and potential energy.
  • A surfaceโ€™s material and texture affect how effectively things bounce off it, like a basketball on a court versus a soft carpet.
  • The angle of impact plays a crucial role; a ball bounces back at an angle thatโ€™s equal to the angle it hit the surface.

Pop Culture

  • The popular childrenโ€™s song 'If You're Happy and You Know It' uses 'bounce' to inspire kids to be active and playful.
  • In sports, bouncing is essential! Basketball, for instance, revolves around the concept of dribbling, which is bouncing the ball.
  • There are many animations and cartoons where characters literally bounce with excitement, showing their happiness.

Sports

  • In basketball, a good player knows how to bounce the ball correctly to maintain control while dribbling.
  • In volleyball, players often bounce off the ground to jump higher and hit the ball over the net.
  • The term โ€˜bounce backโ€™ in sports describes athletes' ability to recover after a setback, illustrating resilience.

Psychology

  • Emotions can 'bounce' in the sense that feelings can fluctuate widely throughout a day.
  • Engaging in physical activities that involve bouncing can improve mood and reduce stress.
  • The term 'bouncing back' is frequently used to describe resilience in overcoming challenges or failures.

Origin of 'bounced'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'boncer', which means 'to thump or bump'.
  • It first appeared in English around the 15th century, often referring to movable objects.
  • The meaning evolved to include energy and quick movements, especially connected to elastic objects.

The word 'bounce' dates back to the early 14th century, derived from the Middle English word 'bouncen', signifying to rebound or spring back. Its etymology traces further to the Old French 'boncer', which means to thump or strike. Throughout the centuries, the meaning of 'bounce' expanded beyond just physical movements to incorporate emotional resilience and the ability to recover quickly from setbacks. It has found its place in various contexts, including sports, personal development, and even technology, where 'bounce' can refer to the response of emails that fail to reach their recipients. This evolution highlights the dynamic nature of language as it adapts to new experiences and forms of expression.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,174, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.