arc
B2Neutral. Common in technical, scientific, and general use.
Definition
Meaning
A curved line or shape, like a segment of a circle.
1. In narratives, the structured progression of a character or storyline over time. 2. In physics/electronics, a luminous electrical discharge across a gap. 3. In geometry, a continuous segment of a circle's circumference.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Conveys a sense of a smooth, continuous curve or a structured trajectory. Its verb form describes moving in a curved path or following a narrative trajectory.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Minor spelling variations in related terms (e.g., 'arch' vs. 'arc' in some contexts, but 'arc' is standard for this word).
Connotations
Identical in both variants. In technical fields (maths/physics), the term is standardised internationally.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. Slightly higher in UK academic contexts due to prevalence of 'story arc' in literary analysis.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The story arc + VERB (develops, progresses)The light + VERB (forms, creates) + an arcto arc + PREP (across, through, over)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The arc of history bends towards justice.”
- “Arc of triumph (a less common variant of 'arch of triumph').”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically, e.g., 'the arc of a project's lifecycle'.
Academic
Frequent in geometry, physics (electric arc), and literary/film studies (narrative arc).
Everyday
Describing a curved shape, e.g., 'the rainbow formed a perfect arc'.
Technical
Precise use in geometry (measurement of an arc), welding (arc welding), and lighting (arc lamp).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The ball arced beautifully into the top corner of the net.
- The storyline arced towards an unexpected conclusion.
American English
- The fireworks arced over the lake, reflecting in the water.
- His career arced from obscurity to fame and back again.
adjective
British English
- The theatre featured an arc-shaped proscenium.
- They installed new arc lamps on the street.
American English
- The arc welder required special safety gear.
- An arc fault can cause an electrical fire.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Draw an arc with your compass.
- The rainbow is a big arc in the sky.
- The bridge formed a gentle arc over the river.
- In the story, the hero's arc is from farmer to king.
- The historian described the arc of the empire's rise and fall.
- The welder used an electric arc to join the metal plates.
- The novel's narrative arc deftly subverts the reader's expectations.
- The particle beam arced through the magnetic field in a predictable parabola.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
An ARC is pARt of a Circle.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY ALONG AN ARC (e.g., 'the arc of her career'). TIME/CHANGE IS AN ARC (e.g., 'the moral arc of the universe').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'арка' (arch) which is a full architectural structure, not just a curved line.
- Do not translate 'arc welding' as 'сварка аркой'—it's 'дуговая сварка' (dugovaya svarka).
- The narrative 'arc' is 'сюжетная линия' or 'арка', not 'кривая'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'arc' (noun/verb) with 'arch' (often a noun for a structural support).
- Incorrect plural: 'arcs', not 'arcses'.
- Misspelling as 'ark' (as in Noah's Ark).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'arc' used to describe a structured progression?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An 'arc' is primarily a curved line or path. An 'arch' is a curved structural element, often supporting weight, like a doorway or bridge. An arch *contains* arcs but is a physical structure.
Yes, it means to move or cause to move in a curved path. E.g., 'The satellite will arc across the sky.'
Etymologically, yes. Both derive from Latin 'arcus' meaning 'bow'. An archer's arrow follows an arc.
A welding process that uses an electric arc (a sustained electrical discharge) to generate the heat needed to melt and join metals.
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