Word
bounce
Meanings
to spring back after hitting a surface; to make something do this
to leave a place quickly (informal)
to be rejected or returned because it cannot be accepted or processed
Definition
To bounce means to move quickly upward after hitting a surface, or to make something do this.
To bounce describes the way something springs back after it hits the ground or another surface. It can also mean to make an object move up and down by letting it hit a surface repeatedly. In informal speech, it can mean to quickly leave a place. Another common meaning is to reject something, such as an email, payment, or idea, because it cannot be accepted or processed.
Examples
- I watched the tennis ball bounce off the line and change the whole point.
- You can bounce the mixture gently to release the air bubbles before you bake it.
- He decided to bounce before the meeting turned into an argument.
- She tried to send the file, but the email kept bounce back because the address was wrong.
- They bounced a few ideas around and settled on a simpler design.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse bounce with jump by saying a ball 'jumps' when they mean it rebounds after hitting a surface.
More at C1 level
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More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.