bow
Relating to a curved or arched shape, often used in architectural or technical contexts to describe structures that bend outward. It can also refer to components located at the forward part of a vessel or structure.
Examples
3 of 5The cottage was famous for its beautiful bow window that offered a panoramic view of the garden.
The cottage was well-known for its curved window that provided a wide view of the garden.
The architectural plans specify a bow front for the new museum to symbolize a ship's hull.
The building designs require a curved front for the museum to represent the body of a ship.
He looked a bit bow-legged walking in those heavy cowboy boots.
His legs appeared to curve outward while he was wearing those heavy boots.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'bow and arrow'—the wood must be 'bow' (curved) to create the tension needed to shoot.
Quick Quiz
The historic library features a large ___ window that lets in light from three different angles.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bow
Examples
The cottage was famous for its beautiful bow window that offered a panoramic view of the garden.
everydayThe cottage was well-known for its curved window that provided a wide view of the garden.
The architectural plans specify a bow front for the new museum to symbolize a ship's hull.
formalThe building designs require a curved front for the museum to represent the body of a ship.
He looked a bit bow-legged walking in those heavy cowboy boots.
informalHis legs appeared to curve outward while he was wearing those heavy boots.
In structural engineering, a bow deformation occurs when a vertical member bends under an axial load.
academicIn engineering, a curved distortion happens when a straight part bends under pressure.
The furniture manufacturer specializes in bow-fronted cabinets for high-end office spaces.
businessThe furniture maker focuses on cabinets with curved fronts for expensive offices.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
bow-shaped
Formed in the shape of a curve or arch.
bow-fronted
Having a front side that curves outward.
bow-back chair
A chair with a curved wooden back piece.
Often Confused With
A bough is a large branch of a tree, whereas bow refers to a curve or the front of a ship.
Bowed is the standard adjective form; bow is often used as an attributive noun or in specific compound terms.
Usage Notes
As an adjective, 'bow' is most frequently found in compound words like 'bow-legged' or technical terms like 'bow window'. It is rarely used as a standalone adjective in modern conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often struggle with the pronunciation; when referring to the shape (like a bow and arrow), it is /boʊ/, but when referring to the front of a ship, it is /baʊ/.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'bow and arrow'—the wood must be 'bow' (curved) to create the tension needed to shoot.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English 'boga', meaning something curved or bent, from the Proto-Germanic 'bugon'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The historic library features a large ___ window that lets in light from three different angles.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bow
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