arc
A curved shape or line that forms part of a circle or follows a similar curved path. It is also used metaphorically to describe the progression or development of a story, character, or historical event over time.
Examples
3 of 5The ball sailed through the air in a perfect arc before falling into the net.
The ball moved through the air in a beautiful curved path before entering the hoop.
The architect incorporated a sweeping arc into the roof design to mimic the surrounding hills.
The designer included a wide curved shape in the roof to match the nearby landscape.
I really like how the main character's arc shows him becoming more confident.
I enjoy how the protagonist's personal development shows his growth in self-belief.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'circle'—an 'arc' is just a piece of a 'circle', and both contain the letter 'c' for 'curve'.
Quick Quiz
The screenwriter focused on the protagonist's ______ to ensure the audience felt the hero's growth.
Correct!
The correct answer is: arc
Examples
The ball sailed through the air in a perfect arc before falling into the net.
everydayThe ball moved through the air in a beautiful curved path before entering the hoop.
The architect incorporated a sweeping arc into the roof design to mimic the surrounding hills.
formalThe designer included a wide curved shape in the roof to match the nearby landscape.
I really like how the main character's arc shows him becoming more confident.
informalI enjoy how the protagonist's personal development shows his growth in self-belief.
The study measures the geometric arc of the planetary orbit in relation to the sun.
academicThe research calculates the curved path of the planet's movement around the sun.
Our quarterly revenue followed an upward arc despite the initial market challenges.
businessOur income showed a rising curved progression even though the market was difficult at first.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
character arc
the mental or emotional transformation of a fictional character
the arc of history
the long-term direction of historical progress and change
story arc
the extended sequence of events in a narrative
Often Confused With
An 'ark' is a large boat or a sacred chest, whereas an 'arc' is a curved line.
An 'arch' is usually a physical architectural structure, while an 'arc' is a general geometric or abstract curve.
Usage Notes
Use 'arc' when discussing geometric curves, the path of a projectile, or the metaphorical development of a plot or person. In literature, a 'character arc' is a standard term for describing how a person changes from the beginning to the end of a book.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse the spelling with 'ark' (the vessel). Additionally, don't use 'arc' to describe a sharp angle; it must always refer to a smooth curve.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'circle'—an 'arc' is just a piece of a 'circle', and both contain the letter 'c' for 'curve'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'arcus', meaning a bow, arch, or rainbow.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The phrase 'the arc of the moral universe' is famously associated with Martin Luther King Jr., suggesting that society slowly progresses toward justice.
Quick Quiz
The screenwriter focused on the protagonist's ______ to ensure the audience felt the hero's growth.
Correct!
The correct answer is: arc
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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