C1 noun Neutral

arrow

/ˈær.oʊ/

A slender, pointed projectile shot from a bow, typically consisting of a straight shaft with a sharp head and stabilizing feathers. It is also widely used as a graphic symbol or indicator to denote direction, movement, or a specific point of focus.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Follow the painted arrow on the pavement to locate the designated parking area.

Follow the painted arrow on the pavement to locate the designated parking area.

2

The archaeological site yielded several flint arrowheads, suggesting the inhabitants were skilled hunters.

The archaeological site yielded several flint arrowheads, suggesting the inhabitants were skilled hunters.

3

Just click the little arrow in the corner to expand the menu.

Just click the little arrow in the corner to expand the menu.

Word Family

Noun
arrow
Verb
arrow
Adjective
arrowy
Related
arrowhead
💡

Memory Tip

Visualize the letter 'A' as the sharp tip of an Arrow pointing toward the sky.

Quick Quiz

The detective noticed a small ____ drawn in chalk on the wall, pointing toward the secret passage.

Correct!

The correct answer is: arrow

Examples

1

Follow the painted arrow on the pavement to locate the designated parking area.

everyday

Follow the painted arrow on the pavement to locate the designated parking area.

2

The archaeological site yielded several flint arrowheads, suggesting the inhabitants were skilled hunters.

formal

The archaeological site yielded several flint arrowheads, suggesting the inhabitants were skilled hunters.

3

Just click the little arrow in the corner to expand the menu.

informal

Just click the little arrow in the corner to expand the menu.

4

In Euclidean geometry, a vector is often represented geometrically as a directed arrow whose length corresponds to the magnitude.

academic

In Euclidean geometry, a vector is often represented geometrically as a directed arrow whose length corresponds to the magnitude.

5

The green upward arrow on the dashboard indicates that our stock prices have stabilized after the merger.

business

The green upward arrow on the dashboard indicates that our stock prices have stabilized after the merger.

Word Family

Noun
arrow
Verb
arrow
Adjective
arrowy
Related
arrowhead

Common Collocations

poisoned arrow poisoned arrow
directional arrow directional arrow
arrow keys arrow keys
flaming arrow flaming arrow
upward arrow upward arrow

Common Phrases

straight as an arrow

straight as an arrow (perfectly straight or very honest)

another arrow in one's quiver

another arrow in one's quiver (an additional resource or strategy)

Cupid's arrow

Cupid's arrow (the metaphorical cause of falling in love)

Often Confused With

arrow vs narrow

Narrow is an adjective meaning limited in width, whereas arrow is a noun referring to a projectile or symbol.

arrow vs harrow

Harrow is a farming tool used to break up soil, which sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

📝

Usage Notes

While 'arrow' primarily refers to the weapon, in digital and technical contexts, it almost exclusively refers to the cursor or navigation icons. The verb form 'to arrow' is rare but means to move swiftly and directly like an arrow.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 'arrow' with 'pointer'. While an arrow is a type of pointer, a mouse cursor is specifically a pointer, though it may be shaped like an arrow.

💡

Memory Tip

Visualize the letter 'A' as the sharp tip of an Arrow pointing toward the sky.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English 'arwe', which has Germanic roots shared with the Old Norse 'ör'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural form: arrows Often used as a noun adjunct (e.g., arrow slit, arrow flight)
🌍

Cultural Context

The arrow is a powerful cultural symbol across many civilizations, representing the hunt, war (specifically the English Longbowmen), and the Greek god Eros (Cupid).

Quick Quiz

The detective noticed a small ____ drawn in chalk on the wall, pointing toward the secret passage.

Correct!

The correct answer is: arrow

Related Words

ancarny

C1

Relating to deep, ancient instincts or primal physical sensations that evoke a sense of mystery or unsettling familiarity. It describes behaviors or feelings that seem to be inherited from prehistoric ancestors and manifest in modern contexts.

tripendward

C1

Describing a trajectory, movement, or orientation directed toward a three-fold suspension or a point supported by three distinct anchors. It characterizes an object or path that leans toward a junction where three entities or supports meet.

synacrness

C1

Describing a quality of simultaneous acute precision and synchronized coordination. It refers to the state where multiple sharp or intense elements occur at once with perfect alignment.

unmalance

C1

A state of persistent or structural lack of equilibrium, specifically when this lack of balance leads to a detrimental or inefficient outcome. It is often used in technical or test-specific environments to describe systems where the distribution of elements is intentionally or erroneously skewed.

comtermness

C1

To engage in the process of establishing common terminology or shared linguistic understanding within a specific group. It involves negotiating and refining definitions to ensure all parties are aligned on technical concepts.

semifinism

C1

Relating to a state of partial completion or an intermediate stage in a process where a final goal is reached in function but not in form. It describes something that is operational yet lacks the definitive polish or finality of a completed work.

revaltion

C1

A revelation is the act of revealing or disclosing a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made in a dramatic way. It can also refer to a divine or supernatural disclosure of information to humanity.

bifugcy

C1

To divide or branch into two distinct, often divergent paths or outcomes, typically used in contexts involving complex decision-making or evolutionary processes. It implies a definitive split where the resulting entities develop independently and no longer overlap.

intravictship

C1

Describing the internal relations, dynamics, or psychological states that exist within a group sharing a common victory or high-status achievement. It refers specifically to the nuances of interaction between members who are part of the same successful collective.

antimanment

C1

The systematic opposition to or reversal of human management and intervention within a specific system or environment. It typically refers to the policy of allowing natural or organic processes to occur without external control or supervision.

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