curve
A line or shape that bends smoothly without sharp edges.
A smooth, continuously bending line, surface, or path without sharp angles.
To move or make something move in a smooth bend.
To form or cause to form a smooth, continuous bend without angles.
A line on a graph that shows how something changes.
A line on a graph representing how something changes over time or in relation to another variable.
A way of giving grades by comparing students to each other, not just to fixed scores.
An adjustment of academic grades based on the overall performance of a group of students.
- Base: curve
- Plural: curves
- Base: curve
- 3rd Person Singular: curves
- Present Participle: curving
- Past: curved
ahead of the curve
1More advanced than others
To be more advanced or have more knowledge than most people in the same area.
- Our company stays ahead of the curve by investing in research.
- She was ahead of the curve in adopting new technology.
behind the curve
1Less advanced than others
To be slower or less advanced than most people in the same area.
- The company fell behind the curve in online sales.
- He’s behind the curve when it comes to new trends.
learning curve
1Rate of learning over time
How fast or slow someone learns something new over time.
- There’s a steep learning curve when starting this job.
- The software has a gentle learning curve for beginners.
throw someone a curve (ball)
1Give unexpected problem or challenge
To surprise someone with something difficult or unexpected.
- The sudden rule change threw us a curve ball.
- Life sometimes throws you a curve when you least expect it.