Meaning & use
curving inward
Last updated
Meanings
phrase
bending or turning toward the inside of something
Grammar: Used after a noun or as a complement: a curving inward shape; the edges are curving inward.
Patterns
- curving inward toward something
- curving inward at the edges
The petals of the flower are curving inward, making a cup shape.
The road was curving inward as it approached the tunnel.
His fingers were curving inward as he made a fist.
phrase
moving or directed toward the inside
Grammar: Often used to describe a motion or force: the air is curving inward.
Patterns
- curving inward from the outside
The wind was curving inward around the building.
The water was curving inward as it went down the drain.
Common combinations
- curving inward at the edges
- The leaves are curving inward at the edges to save water.
- curving inward toward the center
- The walls are curving inward toward the center of the room.
- slightly curving inward
- The top of the vase is slightly curving inward.
Synonyms and how they differ
- incurved
- More formal and often used in technical descriptions; it means curved inward, especially of plant parts or body structures.
- concave
- Describes a surface that curves inward like the inside of a bowl; it focuses on the shape rather than the process of curving.
Opposites
Word family
- curve verb
- To bend or move in a smooth, rounded direction.
- curved adjective
- Having a smooth, rounded bend.
Commonly confused: curving inward or curving outward?
curving inward vs curving outward
The opposite direction: bending away from the inside. Make sure you use the correct direction word.
Practice
The edges of the leaf are ___ to reduce water loss.
Choose one answer.
The phrase 'curving inward' means bending toward the inside, which fits the idea of reducing water loss by folding in. 'Curving outward' would mean bending away, which would not help save water.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “curving inward”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.