arch

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "arch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun meaning a curved structure, typically one with a keystone at the top, or to describe an action that is done in an arched shape, such as arching an eyebrow. Example sentence: I admired the Gothic architecture, particularly the majestic arch which served as the entranceway.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Marina Diamandis's second album Electra Heart, released in 2012, got muddled slightly by arch personas, convoluted concepts and way too much hair dye.

The Guardian - Music

I have never been moved to tears by a skyline, or a building, or a painted arch, but the sudden apparition of a peak from behind a sheet of mist is enough, now, to make me cry.

The Guardian - Books

Actors know only too well that days spent contemplating the job centre and the increasing pile of unpaid bills is too dismal a business to reclassify with such an arch description.

The Guardian

Our last stop is Uga Bay resort, run by the same group as Jungle Beach and with a deep arch framing a vista of lawns, infinity pool and ocean.

The Guardian - Travel

A couple of weeks later, he signed for arch rivals Schalke 04.

The Guardian - Sport

Her limbs, fingers and dental arch were removed, and her body set alight.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Scholar, soldier, statesman, arch-rebel, philosopher, poet, all crowded so glitteringly into so few early years.

The Guardian

Two years ago readers opted for Camila Vallejo, the Chilean student year and arch-protester in a year of protest.

The Guardian

The Thirty Cases of Major Zeman, a huge hit in the 70s and 80s, took its plotlines from real crimes, reworked so that the communists were the heroes and the non-conformists were shown as criminals and arch-enemies of socialism.

The Guardian

Before the election he was "bankrolled" (in the words of those arch-socialists at the Telegraph and the Daily Mail) by John Nash, the then chairman of private healthcare firm Care UK, who handed him £21,000 to run his private office.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maggie demands that her sister-in-law, Justine, keeps a promise she made 30 years ago to burn an effigy of their old arch-enemy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arch" to describe a person's demeanor, ensure the context clearly indicates mischievousness or knowingness.

Common error

Avoid using "arch" to describe simple curves that are not load-bearing structures. For instance, a slight bend in a road is better described as a "curve" than an "arch".

Linguistic Context

The word "arch" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a curved structure, or as an adjective, describing something mischievous or principal. Ludwig AI confirms its various uses across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Travel

8%

Arts

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "arch" can function as a noun, adjective, or verb, offering versatility in both architectural and descriptive contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in diverse settings. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Lifestyle" publications, "arch" describes curved structures or mischievous behavior. When referring to rivals or enemies, alternatives such as "chief rival" or "main antagonist" can provide more clarity. Remember to use "arch" appropriately, avoiding its application to simple curves that aren't structural elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

curved structure

Focuses on the physical form implied by "arch".

chief rival

Replaces "arch" in the context of "arch-rival" to convey the primary adversary.

main antagonist

Emphasizes the adversarial aspect, common in phrases like "arch-enemy".

vaulted ceiling

Highlights a specific type of arched construction.

primary foe

Synonymous replacement for "arch" in terms of main adversaries.

span

Emphasizes the action of bridging a space, similar to an arch's function.

bowed shape

Describes a similar curvature, focusing on the visual aspect.

knowing glance

Emphasizes the knowing or mischievous sense of "arch".

mischievous grin

Replaces "arch" to describe a playful or impish expression.

playful remark

Highlights the clever and mischievous sense of "arch" when used as an adjective.

FAQs

How can I use "arch" in a sentence?

You can use "arch" to describe a curved architectural structure, as in "The Roman aqueduct featured a series of impressive arches". It can also describe a mischievous or knowing expression, such as "She raised an arch eyebrow at his comment".

What are some synonyms for "arch" when referring to a primary rival?

In the context of an "arch-rival", you can use alternatives like "chief rival", "main antagonist", or "principal adversary".

Is it correct to use "arch" to describe any curved shape?

While "arch" refers to a curved shape, it typically implies a structural element designed to bear weight and span a space. A simple curve might be better described as a "bend", "curve", or "arc".

When can "arch" describe a personality trait?

"Arch" can describe a personality as knowingly clever, mischievous, or ironic. For example, "She delivered an arch comment with a raised eyebrow" indicates a playful or subtly mocking tone.