Concave

/kɒnˈkeɪv/

adjectiveIntermediate📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning3 questions

Definitions

1

Having a surface or outline that curves inward.

/kɒnˈkeɪv/

adjectiveneutralIntermediate
General

Curving inward

The artist used a concave mirror to create a unique reflection.

💡 Simply: Imagine a bowl – the inside of the bowl is concave, curving inward. Like a shallow dip.

👶 For kids: Curving inward like a bowl.

More Examples

2

The valley's shape was concave.

3

The concave lens helped to correct the person's vision.

How It's Used

Geometry

"The lens was concave, focusing the light."

Anatomy

"The person's chest had a concave shape."

Nature

"The concave surface of the shell held water."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Antonyms

From Latin concavus, meaning 'arched' or 'hollowed out'. It derives from the prefix con- (meaning 'with' or 'together') and cavus (meaning 'hollow').

Used since the early 17th century, the term has been used in scientific and artistic contexts to describe shapes.

Memory tip

Think of a cave – it curves inward.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"arched, hollow"

concave mirrorconcave lensconcave surfaceslightly concave

Common misspellings

concavekoncave

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written