What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
arc
Example
The baseball soared through the air in a perfect arc. [arc: noun]
Example
She arced the arrow towards the target with precision. [arced: past tense verb]
curve
Example
The road ahead has a sharp curve, so be careful while driving. [curve: noun]
Example
He curved the ball around the defender and scored a goal. [curved: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Curve is more commonly used than arc in everyday language. Curve is a versatile term that can be applied to different contexts, while arc is more specific and often used in technical or scientific fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between arc and curve?
While arc is typically associated with technical or scientific language, curve is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.