How Do You Spell CURVE BALL?

Pronunciation: [kˈɜːv bˈɔːl] (IPA)

The term "curve ball" is a baseball pitching technique where the ball curves in an unpredictable way. Its spelling follows the pronunciation of this technique, with the "c" and "v" sounds producing a "k" and "v" sound respectively, creating a /kɜrv bɔl/ phonetic transcription. The word "curve" is pronounced with a schwa sound and the "v" in "ball" is pronounced with a /b/ sound. Knowing the proper spelling of "curve ball" can help writers and speakers effectively communicate in conversations related to baseball.

CURVE BALL Meaning and Definition

1. A curve ball refers to a pitch in the game of baseball that is deliberately thrown with a significant amount of spin, resulting in a curved trajectory as it approaches the batter. It is typically thrown by a pitcher to deceive the batter and disrupt their timing and ability to make contact with the ball. The curve ball gets its name from the curve it creates while in flight.

   The spin applied to the ball causes it to deviate from a straight path, either moving downward or laterally, making it challenging for the batter to accurately judge its trajectory and adjust their swing accordingly. The curve ball is executed by gripping the baseball with the index and middle fingers placed along the seams, allowing the pitcher to put spin on the ball as it is being released.

   Due to its highly unpredictable nature, the curve ball can be a particularly difficult pitch to hit successfully. Batters must account for the deceptive movement and adjust their swing accordingly to make solid contact with the ball. Skilled pitchers often utilize the curve ball as a strategic weapon to outwit and outmaneuver their opponents, creating opportunities for strikeouts or inducing weakly hit balls.

Common Misspellings for CURVE BALL

• xurve ball
• vurve ball
• furve ball
• durve ball
• cyrve ball
• chrve ball
• cjrve ball
• cirve ball
• c8rve ball
• c7rve ball
• cueve ball
• cudve ball
• cufve ball
• cutve ball
• cu5ve ball
• cu4ve ball
• curce ball
• curbe ball

Etymology of CURVE BALL

The etymology of the word "curveball" can be traced back to baseball, specifically to describe a type of pitch. The term originated in the 19th century and is a compound noun formed by combining "curve" and "ball".

"Curve" refers to the movement of the pitch, where it breaks or changes direction abruptly just before reaching the batter. It deviates from a straight path and curves towards the opposite side, often confusing the batter. This type of pitch requires the pitcher to manipulate the ball with a specific grip and arm motion to create the desired effect.

"Ball" simply refers to the object being thrown in baseball. By combining these two words, "curveball" came into existence as a term in baseball to describe this specific type of pitch. Over time, the term has also been used metaphorically outside of baseball to refer to something unexpected or deceptive – an unexpected challenge or situation that upsets one's expectations.

Idioms with the word CURVE BALL

• a curve ball The idiom "a curve ball" refers to an unexpected or surprising event or situation that is difficult to predict or deal with. It is often used to describe a sudden change or obstacle that challenges one's plans or expectations. The phrase originally originates from baseball, where a curveball is a pitch that deviates in an unexpected way, making it difficult for the batter to hit.
• throw someone a curve ball The idiom "throw someone a curveball" commonly refers to presenting someone with an unexpected or challenging situation or question that catches them off guard. It implies surprising someone with a difficult or tricky circumstance that they were not prepared for, often by deviating from a normal or anticipated course of events.