convex: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical, Academic, Mathematical
Quick answer
What does “convex” mean?
Having an outline or surface that curves outward like the exterior of a sphere or circle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having an outline or surface that curves outward like the exterior of a sphere or circle.
In a broader sense, describing an object, shape, or function that bulges outward, often used metaphorically to describe a relationship or concept that "bulges" or peaks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Both varieties use the same IPA transcription. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of technical precision and mathematical description.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but equally standard in technical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “convex” in a Sentence
[adjective] + noun (convex lens)verb + [adjective] (be/become/appear convex)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “convex” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The wing mirror on the car is convex for a wider field of view.
- A convex polygon has all its interior angles less than 180°.
American English
- The security mirror in the store was convex.
- A convex function lies above its tangents.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In finance, describing a bond's price sensitivity (convexity), e.g., 'The bond's convexity provides a cushion against interest rate rises.'
Academic
Predominant in mathematics, physics, and economics to describe shapes, lenses, mirrors, or functions. E.g., 'The utility function must be convex for this optimization.'
Everyday
Limited. Used to describe mirrors in cars (wing mirrors), certain types of lenses, or oddly shaped objects. E.g., 'The old bottle had a slightly convex base.'
Technical
The primary domain. Used in optics, geometry, computer graphics, and machine learning. E.g., 'The algorithm requires a convex set of constraints.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “convex”
- Confusing 'convex' and 'concave'. A common memory aid: a convex lens 'converges' light (both start with 'con-'), or a cave is concave.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The direct and most common opposite is 'concave'.
No, 'convex' is almost exclusively an adjective. The related verb form is not standard; one would say 'make convex' or 'curve outward'.
Think: a convex lens converges light (both start with 'con'). Or, a 'cave' goes inwards, so 'concave' curves inwards.
Yes, in economics and mathematics, it can describe abstract relationships, like a 'convex function' or 'convex preferences'.
Having an outline or surface that curves outward like the exterior of a sphere or circle.
Convex is usually technical, academic, mathematical in register.
Convex: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn.vɛks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.veks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the convex side of the curve (rare, technical/metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'conVEX' (like 'flex' or 'sex') muscle bulging outward. Or, the 'ex' in convex sounds like 'exit'—the curve is exiting, bulging out.
Conceptual Metaphor
BULGING OUTWARD IS CONVEX (e.g., 'a convex relationship in the data' meaning a relationship that peaks).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these fields is the term 'convex' LEAST commonly used in a technical sense?