What is curved? Pronunciation and usage in English

curved means . Learn how to pronounce and use curved through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of curved

curvedadjective

/kəːvd/
Definition & pronunciation of curved

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "curved." Here's a breakdown and a few ways to say it:

1. The Basic Pronunciation:

  • cur - Sounds like "kuh" (like the "uh" sound in "but")
  • ved - Sounds like "ved" (rhymes with "bed")

So, together it's: kuh-ved

2. A slightly more detailed breakdown:

  • cur: A short, unstressed "uh" sound, almost like you're holding your breath slightly. It's not a full "oo" vowel like in "boot."
  • ved: This is a relatively quick "v" sound followed by a "ed" sound. The "ed" sounds like a short "eh" (as in "bed").

3. Phonetic Spelling (for accuracy):

ˈkɜrvd

(ˈ = primary stress - meaning the emphasis is on the first syllable)

4. Listening Examples (Highly Recommended!):

  • Google: Simply search "How to pronounce curved" on Google and you'll find numerous audio examples from dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Cambridge.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/curved/ Forvo is a website where native speakers pronounce words – you can hear multiple accents.
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for “How to pronounce curved” – you’ll find a plethora of videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "v." It's a quick sound.
  • The "uh" in "cur" is light. It's not a long, drawn-out "oo" sound.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a sentence where you can practice saying "curved"?

Usage and examples with the word curved in English

Let's break down how to use the word "curved" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. As an Adjective (Describing Shape)

This is the most common usage. "Curved" describes something that has a rounded, bending form.

  • Examples:
    • "The road was curved and winding through the mountains." (Describing the shape of the road)
    • "The artist used a curved brushstroke to create a sense of movement." (Describing the brush's form)
    • "He had a curved smile." (Describing the shape of his mouth)
    • "The handle of the spoon is curved for easier gripping." (Describing the object's shape)
    • "The river followed a curved path as it flowed downstream." (Describing the river’s course)

2. As a Verb (To Bend or Change Shape)

"Curved" can also be a verb, meaning to bend or change into a curved shape.

  • Examples:
    • “The metal curved under the pressure of the hammer.” (The metal changed shape)
    • “The dancer curved her body into a graceful arc.” (The dancer’s body bent)
    • “The ribbon curved to form a beautiful loop.” (The ribbon bent into a loop)

3. Figurative Uses (Beyond Literal Shapes)

"Curved" can be used metaphorically to describe things that aren't literally curved but have a similar feeling of bending or deviating from a straight path.

  • Examples:
    • “His career took a curved path, filled with unexpected turns.” (Meaning his career wasn't straightforward)
    • “The conversation took a curved route, drifting from politics to childhood memories.” (Meaning the conversation didn't stay focused)
    • “He had a curved view of the world, influenced by his upbringing.” (Meaning he had a biased or particular way of seeing things)

4. Related Words & Phrases

  • Curve: The noun form, referring to the shape itself (e.g., “the curve of the riverbank”).
  • Curved surface: Refers to a surface with a curved shape (e.g., "a curved airplane wing").
  • Curve upwards/downwards: Describes the direction of a curve.
  • A gentle curve: Indicates a subtle bend.
  • A sharp curve: Indicates a pronounced bend.

Tips for Using "Curved" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the context to understand if "curved" is describing a literal shape or using a figurative meaning.
  • Specificity: Consider using more specific adjectives if you want to be more precise (e.g., "rounded," "arched," "concave," "convex").

Can you give me an example sentence you'd like me to analyze, or a situation where you're trying to use "curved" and you’re not sure how to best do it?

Synonyms for the word curved

Practice with vocabulary curved

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The architect designed a building with a gracefully ______ facade, allowing for more natural light.
  2. During the manufacturing process, the technician accidentally ______ the metal rod, rendering it unusable.
  3. The road ahead took a sharp ______ turn, requiring drivers to reduce their speed considerably.
  4. The satellite maintains an almost ______ orbit around the Earth, constantly collecting data.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which words can describe the shape of a rainbow? A) arched B) straight C) curved D) linear

  2. The ergonomic design of the chair features a ______ backrest for optimal lumbar support. A) rigid B) flat C) contoured D) curved

  3. The historical document displayed a ______ script, making it challenging for modern scholars to decipher. A) flowing B) angular C) cursive D) curved

  4. The river ______ through the valley, creating numerous bends and oxbow lakes. A) meandered B) straightened C) broadened D) stagnated

  5. The engineer preferred to work with ______ lines when designing the foundation, avoiding any unnecessary curves or angles. A) intricate B) parallel C) oblique D) straight

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The path in the park was not straight but rather had many turns and bends. Rewrite: (Start your sentence with "The path in the park...")

  2. Original: The bridge was designed with an elegant arc to span the river. Rewrite: (Start your sentence with "The bridge's design...")

  3. Original: The car moved around the bend in the road very slowly. Rewrite: (Start your sentence with "The car navigated...")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. curved
  2. bent
  3. curved
  4. circular

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) arched, C) curved
  2. C) contoured, D) curved
  3. A) flowing, C) cursive, D) curved
  4. A) meandered
  5. D) straight

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The path in the park was not straight; instead, it featured numerous curved sections.
  2. The bridge's design incorporated an elegantly curved structure to span the river.
  3. The car navigated the winding section of the road with caution.

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