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Curved Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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curved

[ˈkərvd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

shape

Having a smooth, continuously bending line or surface rather than angles or sharp bends.

Synonyms

arched, bent, curving.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curved

See above.

  • The road followed a curved path through the mountains.
  • She admired the curved lines of the vase.
bent

Use 'bent' when referring to something that has been forcibly curved or no longer straight. This term may carry a slightly negative connotation as it can imply damage or alteration from its original shape.

  • The metal rod was bent out of shape.
  • His glasses were bent after the fall.
arched

This word is typically used for structures or objects that have a strong, pronounced curve which often suggests an architectural or supportive feature. It can also refer to a shape similar to a bow.

  • The old stone bridge had several arched spans.
  • Her eyebrows arched in surprise.
curving

This form is often used to describe something in the process of becoming curved or that naturally forms a curve. It's often used to depict motion or a dynamic shape.

  • The river was curving through the valley.
  • The snake moved in a curving path across the sand.

Examples of usage

  • The road curved gently through the forest.
  • The cat's tail was curved gracefully.
Context #2 | Verb

movement

To move or cause to move in a circular path.

Synonyms

arc, bend, swirl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curved

Used to describe something smoothly bending without sharp angles. Often used in design, architecture, or describing the shape of objects.

  • The table has beautifully curved legs.
  • She drew a curved line on the paper.
bend

Describes a turn or curve in something straight, like a road or a piece of wire. Can also refer to the action of making something bend.

  • There's a sharp bend in the road ahead.
  • She had to bend the wire to fit it into the frame.
arc

Refers to a part of the circumference of a circle or any curved path. Commonly used in mathematics, fireworks displays, or narrative structures.

  • The rainbow formed a perfect arc across the sky.
  • His character arc in the story is quite compelling.
swirl

Used to describe a pattern or shape that twists around in a circular or spiral way. Often used for liquids, designs, or visual effects.

  • The cream swirled in the coffee made a beautiful pattern.
  • The artist created a swirling design on the canvas.

Examples of usage

  • The river curved around the hill.
  • He curved the ball into the goal.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Geometry

  • In geometry, a curved line is different from a straight line as it does not have constant direction.
  • Curved shapes, like circles and ellipses, are studied extensively in mathematics and are essential in design.
  • A curve can be open, like a line, or closed, such as a circle, affecting how we understand space and form.

Art and Design

  • Curved lines are often associated with softness and flow in art, contrasting with jagged and straight lines.
  • Famous artists like Henri Matisse utilized curves in their works to convey movement and emotional depth.
  • Architects favor curved structures for their aesthetic appeal and strength, evident in buildings like the Guggenheim Museum.

Science

  • In nature, curved paths are observable in animal locomotion, where smooth movements lead to efficiency.
  • The concept of curved spacetime in physics explains gravity, reshaping our view of the universe proposed by Einstein.
  • In biology, many plant structures, such as leaves and stems, exhibit curvature as an adaptation for survival.

Pop Culture

  • Curved lines are iconic in logos, such as the swoosh of Nike, representing motion and speed.
  • In animation, characters are often drawn with curved features to seem friendlier and more approachable.
  • The famous musical 'Curved Spaces' explores themes of change and adaptability, using curved shapes as a metaphor.

Origin of 'curved'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'curved' comes from the Latin word 'curvare', meaning 'to bend'.
  • It entered Middle English in the late 14th century, originally used in contexts like bending arms or legs.
  • Over time, the term evolved to describe a variety of shapes in mathematics and nature.

The word 'curved' originated from the Latin word 'curvus', meaning bent, crooked, curved. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the shape or movement of objects that are not straight or angular.

See also: curvaceous, curveball, curving, curvingly.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,287 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.