convexity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency, specialized termFormal, academic, technical, financial
Quick answer
What does “convexity” mean?
The state or quality of having a surface that curves outward like the exterior of a sphere or circle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state or quality of having a surface that curves outward like the exterior of a sphere or circle.
In finance and mathematics, a measure of the curvature in the relationship between bond prices and interest rates, or the curvature of a shape or function.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent (convexity).
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the prominence of US financial markets discussing 'bond convexity'.
Grammar
How to Use “convexity” in a Sentence
The convexity of [surface/object][Object] exhibits/show/has convexitycalculate/measure the convexityVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “convexity” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The convexity of the mirror focused the light perfectly.
- The trader analysed the bond's convexity before the meeting.
American English
- The convexity of the dome was engineered for structural strength.
- The portfolio's positive convexity provides a hedge against rate volatility.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In finance, specifically fixed-income analysis, referring to a bond's sensitivity to interest rate changes.
Academic
In mathematics, geometry, and physics, describing the property of a set or function.
Everyday
Rare. Might describe the shape of a lens, mirror, or a gentle hill.
Technical
Standard term in optics, design, materials science, and quantitative finance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “convexity”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “convexity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “convexity”
- Confusing 'convexity' (outward curve) with 'concavity' (inward curve).
- Using it as a countable noun in non-technical contexts (e.g., 'a convexity' is less common).
- Mispronouncing with stress on the first syllable (/ˈkɒnvɛksɪti/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in geometry. Convexity describes an outward bulge, concavity describes an inward hollow.
It describes a bond (or portfolio) whose price increases at an accelerating rate as interest rates fall, and decreases at a decelerating rate as rates rise, which is beneficial for the holder.
No, the adjective is 'convex'. 'Convexity' is solely a noun.
No, it is a mid-to-low frequency technical term. It is common in specific fields like mathematics, finance, and physics, but rare in everyday conversation.
The state or quality of having a surface that curves outward like the exterior of a sphere or circle.
Convexity is usually formal, academic, technical, financial in register.
Convexity: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈvɛksɪti/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈvɛksəti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a convex lens that bulges OUT (like your eye's lens) – convexity is the quality of bulging outward.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESPONSIVENESS IS CURVATURE (in finance: a bond's price response to rate changes is metaphorically understood as the curvature/convexity of its price-yield curve).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'convexity' LEAST likely to be used in its specialized sense?