Arch

Pronunciation: /ɑːrtʃ/

Definitions of arch

noun a curved structure that spans an opening and typically supports the weight above it

Example Sentences

A1 The cat jumped over the arch.

A2 The old church had a beautiful stone archway.

B1 The architect designed a modern arch for the new building.

B2 The arched bridge spanned the river, connecting the two sides of the city.

C1 The intricate arches of the cathedral were a marvel of medieval architecture.

C2 The grand arch of the triumphal arch in Paris is a symbol of victory and power.

verb to form or cause to form an arch or curve

Example Sentences

A1 The cat arched its back when it saw the dog.

A2 She arched her eyebrows in surprise.

B1 The bridge is designed to arch over the river.

B2 The gymnast arched her body gracefully during the routine.

C1 The cathedral's arches are an impressive architectural feature.

C2 The dancer's back arched beautifully as she leapt across the stage.

adjective relating to an arch or having a curved shape

Example Sentences

A1 The arch bridge is very old and beautiful.

A2 She had an arch enemy who always tried to sabotage her plans.

B1 The arch window in the room lets in a lot of natural light.

B2 The arch doorway led into a grand hall with marble floors.

C1 The arch ceiling of the cathedral was intricately painted with religious scenes.

C2 The arch support beams of the building were made of solid oak and intricately carved.

adverb in an arching or curved manner

Example Sentences

A1 The cat walked archly through the doorway.

A2 She smiled archly at her friend, knowing she was up to something.

B1 The professor looked at his students archly, waiting for a response.

B2 The detective raised an arch eyebrow, signaling that he had figured out the mystery.

C1 The politician's speech was filled with arch comments aimed at his opponents.

C2 The author's writing style is known for its arch humor and wit.

Examples of arch in a Sentence

formal The architect designed a beautiful arch for the entrance of the building.

informal Let's take a picture under that cool arch over there.

slang Check out that sick arch on the skate ramp!

figurative The arch of her eyebrow showed her skepticism towards the proposal.

Grammatical Forms of arch

• past tense: arched
• plural: arches
• comparative: archer
• superlative: archest
• present tense: arch
• future tense: will arch
• perfect tense: have arched
• continuous tense: is arching
• singular: arch
• positive degree: arch
• infinitive: to arch
• gerund: arching
• participle: arched

Origin and Evolution of arch

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'arch' originated from the Latin word 'arcus' meaning 'bow' or 'arch'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'arch' has evolved to refer to a curved structure that spans an opening or supports the weight above it, such as in architecture. It has also come to be used figuratively to describe someone who is mischievous or playful in a teasing way.