Words / B2

KURV/kɜːv/

A curve is a smoothly bending line; as a verb, to bend that way; also a graph line: a learning curve; the curve on the graph. Bend is everyday; line can be straight. Describe the curve on the graph, not a single point. Mix-up: curb (previous); carve. Do not write curve for a single plotted point.

Meaning

A smoothly bending line; as a verb, to bend that way; also a graph line.

Examples

• “Describe the curve on the graph, not a single point, the science paper said.”
• “A steep learning curve featured in the training source, which is the figurative sense.”

Good to know

a curve; curve + adverb; learning curve; the curve of. Everyday: bend. Trap: curb / carve. Maths, science, and news. A smooth bend or a graph line, not one dot.

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