Words / B2

BOWNS/baʊns/

To bounce is to spring back from a surface, or to move that way; also (of a cheque) to be refused by a bank: bounce off; a bounce. Rebound is a close physics twin; a bounced cheque is a payments sense. Measure bounce height in the energy practical. Mix-up: bounce vs pounce; bound; do not write bounce for a slogan about “energy” with no collision or payment in the source.

Meaning

To spring back from a surface, or to move that way; also (of a cheque) to be refused by a bank.

Examples

• “Measure bounce height in the energy practical, not a trampoline advert.”
• “The cheque bounced, the accounts said, which is the refused-payment sense — still name the £ figure.”

Good to know

bounce off / back; bounce height; a bounced cheque. Physics twin: rebound. Trap: pounce. Science, PE, and accounts. Spring back, or a refused cheque — specify.

Near in meaning

rebound, spring, ricochet

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