Curved
/kɜːrvd/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving a bent or rounded shape.
/kɜːrvd/
Having a smooth, rounded form; not straight or angular.
The artist drew a curved line to represent the horizon.
💡 Simply: Imagine a road that isn't a straight line, but goes around in a bend. That road is curved, like a gentle hug.
👶 For kids: When something isn't straight, it's curved! Like a rainbow or a smiley face.
More Examples
The curved handle of the teapot made it easy to hold.
The river followed a curved path through the valley.
How It's Used
"A curved line is defined as a line that is not straight."
"The building featured curved arches over the doorways."
"The curved road followed the contour of the hills."
Past tense of 'curve': to bend something or form something into a curve.
/kɜːrvd/
To bend or form something into a curved shape.
The sculptor curved the marble into a beautiful statue.
💡 Simply: Remember when you bend a spoon to be able to use it better? To make a line or something bent, like a road or a piece of art. You can describe that bending action as curving.
👶 For kids: When you make something not straight, you curved it, like bending a paperclip.
More Examples
The wind curved the tree branch.
He curved his lips into a smile.
How It's Used
"The potter curved the clay into a bowl shape."
"The engineer curved the steel beams to fit the design."
"She curved her arm around the child for protection."
From Middle English 'curven,' derived from Old French 'courber' (to bend, bow), ultimately from Latin 'curvus' (bent, curved).
The term 'curved' has been used consistently since the Middle Ages, reflecting the enduring importance of the concept of bending or deviation from a straight line in art, architecture, and everyday life.
Memory tip
Think of a banana – it's curved!