Meaning & use
ogive architecture
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountabletechnical
A style of building design that uses pointed arches, especially in medieval European churches and cathedrals.
Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun when referring to the style in general; no plural form is common.
Patterns
- ogive architecture of something
- in ogive architecture
The cathedral is a fine example of ogive architecture from the 13th century.
Students of medieval history learn how ogive architecture spread across Europe.
The museum exhibit explains the engineering behind ogive architecture.
nouncountabletechnical
The pointed arch shape itself, formed by two intersecting curves, as used in Gothic buildings.
Grammar: Countable when referring to individual arches; plural is 'ogive arches' or simply 'ogives'.
Patterns
- an ogive arch
- a row of ogives
The windows are framed by elegant ogives that let in colored light.
Each ogive in the cloister has the same curvature.
The architect sketched an ogive to show the shape of the vault.
Common combinations
- Gothic ogive
- The Gothic ogive is a hallmark of the style.
- ogive curve
- The ogive curve of the arch distributes weight evenly.
- pointed ogive
- The pointed ogive gives the building a soaring look.
- ogive window
- Light streamed through the ogive window.
Synonyms and how they differ
- pointed arch
- This is the everyday term for the same shape; 'ogive' is more technical and often used in art history.
- Gothic arch
- This refers specifically to the pointed arch as used in Gothic architecture, while 'ogive' can also mean the curve itself.
Word family
- ogival adjective
- Describing something that has the shape of an ogive or pointed arch.
Commonly confused: ogive architecture or ogre?
ogive architecture vs ogre
An ogre is a giant monster in stories; 'ogive' is an architectural term. They sound somewhat similar but are unrelated.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'ogive architecture' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Choice B correctly describes ogive architecture as using pointed arches and ribbed vaults, which are typical of Gothic style. Choice An is wrong because round windows are not characteristic of ogive architecture. Choice C is about gardens, not architecture. Choice D is about a modern bridge, not the medieval style.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “ogive architecture”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.