bounce
B1Neutral, informal
Definition
Meaning
To move suddenly away from a surface after hitting it.
To rebound, recover, or be returned; also used metaphorically for ideas, checks, or energy.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Physical motion is primary; metaphorical uses (e.g., bounce back, bounce an idea) are common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. In US English, 'bounce' can informally mean to leave ('let's bounce'). UK uses 'bounce' more for physical rebounding.
Connotations
Positive connotation of resilience in 'bounce back'. Negative connotation for rejected checks ('bounced cheque/check').
Frequency
Metaphorical uses slightly more common in US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[V] (intransitive)[V + prep] (bounce on/off/against)[V + N] (transitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bounce back”
- “bounce ideas off someone”
- “on the bounce”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A bounced cheque/check can damage your credit rating.
Academic
The study measured how children's balls bounce on different surfaces.
Everyday
Can you bounce the ball to me, please?
Technical
The radar signal bounced off the aircraft.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The cheque bounced due to insufficient funds.
- Children love to bounce on trampolines.
American English
- My check bounced, so I got a fee.
- Let's bounce – this party is boring.
adverb
British English
- The ball landed bounce on the pavement.
American English
- The car hit the curb and went bounce into the air.
adjective
British English
- She has a very bounce personality.
American English
- He's a bounce guy, always optimistic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The ball bounced on the floor.
- The baby likes to bounce in her chair.
- Her email bounced because the address was wrong.
- You can bounce ideas off me anytime.
- The company managed to bounce back after the economic crisis.
- The light bounces off the mirror and into the room.
- Investors are hoping the stock market will bounce back from its losses.
- The proposal was bounced between departments for months.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BOUNCE as BOUN-ce: BOUNcing a ball ON a surface.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A BALL BOUNCING (resilience, recovery).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'отскакивать' (bounce) и 'подпрыгивать' (jump up and down). 'Bounce an idea' не переводится дословно.
Common Mistakes
- He bounced in the ball (incorrect prep). Correct: He bounced the ball.
Practice
Quiz
What does it mean if a cheque bounces?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for light, sound, people (on a trampoline), ideas, and checks.
'Bounce' implies hitting a surface and rebounding. 'Jump' is a single upward movement from a surface.
Yes, commonly in phrases like 'bounce back' (recover) and 'bounced cheque/check'.
Yes, 'bouncy' describes something that bounces well or a lively, energetic person.