Arch vs. Arc — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 29, 2023
Arch is a curved structure, often supporting weight. Arc is a segment of a circle or curve.
Difference Between Arch and Arc
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Arch is a structural or decorative element that spans an open space while maintaining a curved or semi-circular shape. These have been used in construction and architecture for centuries, notably in bridges and old buildings. Arc, on the other hand, typically refers to a part of the circumference of a circle or any other curved line. It doesn't carry the same structural connotations as an arch.
In many contexts, Arch is associated with structural design. For instance, a bridge may use arches to distribute weight and provide support. Arc generally lacks this structural application. Instead, it may be used in mathematical contexts or to describe a particular curving trajectory, such as the arc of a ball in flight.
While Arch can also describe a behavior or mannerism, such as being mischievous or playful (e.g., "an arch grin"), Arc does not have this range of meanings. Instead, the term arc can relate to narratives, denoting the development or resolution of a story or character.
Another noteworthy difference is the application in the field of electricity. Arc can refer to an electric arc, a discharge that occurs when electricity jumps between two electrodes. In contrast, Arch does not have a direct application in this context.
Lastly, from a grammatical perspective, Arch can be used as a prefix meaning "chief" or "principal" (e.g., archenemy), while Arc doesn't have such a prefix usage.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
A curved structure, often supporting weight.
A segment of a circle or curve.
Common Usage
Architectural and structural designs.
Mathematical and geometrical contexts.
Extended Meanings
Can denote playfulness or mischief.
Can refer to narrative development in literature.
Electrical Context
Doesn't have a specific application.
Refers to an electric discharge.
Grammatical Use
Can be used as a prefix (e.g., archenemy).
Doesn't have a prefix usage.
Compare with Definitions
Arch
Mischievous or playful.
She gave him an arch smile.
Arc
A segment of a circle.
The rainbow formed a beautiful arc in the sky.
Arch
A foot structure.
She has high arches in her feet.
Arc
An electric discharge.
The electrician warned about the dangerous arc from the exposed wire.
Arch
A curved form or path.
The cat stretched in a graceful arch.
Arc
Something shaped like a curve or arch
The vivid arc of a rainbow.
Arch
An arch is a vertical curved structure that spans an elevated space and may or may not support the weight above it, or in case of a horizontal arch like an arch dam, the hydrostatic pressure against it. Arches may be synonymous with vaults, but a vault may be distinguished as a continuous arch forming a roof.
Arc
(Mathematics) A segment of a circle.
Arch
A usually curved structure forming the upper edge of an open space and supporting the weight above it, as in a bridge or doorway.
Arc
An electric arc.
Arch
A structure, such as a freestanding monument, shaped like an inverted U.
Arc
(Astronomy) The apparent path of a celestial body as it rises above and falls below the horizon.
Arch
A curve with the ends down and the middle up:the arch of a raised eyebrow.
Arc
A progression of events suggesting narrative cohesion, especially one that rises to a climax and settles to a final conclusion.
Arch
(Anatomy)An organ or structure having a curved or bowlike appearance, especially either of two arched sections of the bony structure of the foot.
Arc
To form an arc.
Arch
To provide with an arch:arch a passageway.
Arc
To move or seem to move in a curved path
The stars that arc across the sky.
Arch
To cause to form an arch or similar curve.
Arc
(astronomy) That part of a circle which a heavenly body appears to pass through as it moves above and below the horizon.
Arch
To bend backward:The dancers alternately arched and hunched their backs.
Arc
(geometry) A continuous part of the circumference of a circle (circular arc) or of another curve.
Arch
To span:"the rude bridge that arched the flood"(Ralph Waldo Emerson).
Arc
A curve, in general. Category:en:Curves
Arch
To form an arch or archlike curve:The high fly ball arched toward the stands.
Arc
A band contained within parallel curves, or something of that shape.
Arch
Chief; principal
Their arch foe.
Arc
(electrics) A flow of current across an insulating medium; especially a hot, luminous discharge between either two electrodes or as lightning.
Arch
Mischievous; roguish
"She ... was arch enough to inform the queen whenever I committed any folly that she thought would be diverting to her majesty" (Jonathan Swift).
Arc
A story arc.
Arch
Teasing, ironic, or sardonic
"I know, Edy Boardman said none too amiably with an arch glance from her shortsighted eyes. I know who is Tommy's sweetheart" (James Joyce).
Arc
(mathematics) A continuous mapping from a real interval (typically [0, 1] ) into a space.
Arch
An inverted U shape.
Arc
(graph theory) A directed edge.
Arch
An arch-shaped arrangement of trapezoidal stones, designed to redistribute downward force outward.
Arc
The three-point line.
Arch
(architecture) An architectural element having the shape of an arch
Arc
(film) An arclight.
Arch
Any place covered by an arch; an archway.
To pass into the arch of a bridge
Arc
(ambitransitive) To move following a curved path.
Arch
An arc; a part of a curve.
Arc
(transitive) To shape into an arc; to hold in the form of an arc.
Arch
A natural arch-shaped opening in a rock mass.
Arc
(intransitive) To form an electrical arc.
Arch
(anatomy) Curved part of the bottom of a foot.
Arc
A portion of a curved line; as, the arc of a circle or of an ellipse.
Arch
(obsolete) chief
Arc
A curvature in the shape of a circular arc or an arch; as, the colored arc (the rainbow); the arc of Hadley's quadrant.
Arch
To form into an arch shape.
The cat arched its back
Arc
An arch.
Statues and trophies, and triumphal arcs.
Arch
To cover with an arch or arches.
Arc
The apparent arc described, above or below the horizon, by the sun or other celestial body. The diurnal arc is described during the daytime, the nocturnal arc during the night.
Arch
Knowing, clever, mischievous
I attempted to hide my emotions, but an arch remark escaped my lips.
Arc
To form a voltaic arc, as an electrical current in a broken or disconnected circuit.
Arch
Principal; primary
They were arch enemies.
Arc
Electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
Arch
Any part of a curved line.
Arc
A continuous portion of a circle
Arch
Usually a curved member made up of separate wedge-shaped solids, with the joints between them disposed in the direction of the radii of the curve; used to support the wall or other weight above an opening. In this sense arches are segmental, round (i. e., semicircular), or pointed.
Arc
Something curved in shape
Arch
Any place covered by an arch; an archway; as, to pass into the arch of a bridge.
Arc
Form an arch or curve;
Her back arches
Her hips curve nicely
Arch
Any curvature in the form of an arch; as, the arch of the aorta.
Arc
A trajectory following a curve.
The basketball traced an arc before falling into the hoop.
Arch
A chief.
My worthy arch and patron comes to-night.
Arc
A narrative's development.
The character's arc was full of growth and redemption.
Arch
To cover with an arch or arches.
Arc
A continuous progression or line of development.
The arc of history bends towards justice.
Arch
To form or bend into the shape of an arch.
The horse arched his neck.
Arch
To form into an arch; to curve.
Arch
Chief; eminent; greatest; principal.
The most arch act of piteous massacre.
Arch
Cunning or sly; sportively mischievous; roguish; as, an arch look, word, lad.
[He] spoke his request with so arch a leer.
Arch
A curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
Arch
A curved bony structure supporting or enclosing organs (especially arches of the feet)
Arch
A passageway under an arch
Arch
(architecture) a masonry construction (usually curved) for spanning an opening and supporting the weight above it
Arch
Form an arch or curve;
Her back arches
Her hips curve nicely
Arch
(of persons) highest in rank or authority or office;
His arch rival
Arch
(used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension
Arch
Expert in skulduggery;
An arch criminal
Arch
A curved symmetrical structure.
The stone arch stood strong for centuries.
Arch
A principal or leading position.
He's the arch critic of the film industry.
Common Curiosities
Can Arch be used to describe a person's behavior?
Yes, Arch can mean mischievous or playful, e.g., "an arch grin."
Do Arch and Arc have electrical contexts?
Only Arc does, referring to an electric discharge. Arch does not.
Is Arc related to architecture?
Not directly. An Arc is typically a segment of a circle or a curve, not a structural element like an Arch.
Is an Arch always structural?
Mostly, but it can also refer to shapes or behaviors without structural implications.
What is an Arch in architecture?
An Arch is a curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and supporting the weight above it.
Can Arc denote a story's progression?
Yes, Arc can refer to the development or resolution of a story or character.
Can Arch function as a prefix?
Yes, Arch can be a prefix meaning "chief" or "principal," like in "archenemy."
Is there a prefix usage for Arc?
No, Arc doesn't function as a prefix like Arch does.
How does an Arc relate to a circle?
An Arc is a segment of the circumference of a circle.
Can both Arch and Arc refer to narrative structures?
No, only Arc can refer to a narrative's development, while Arch doesn't have this meaning.
Can Arc be used in mathematical contexts?
Yes, Arc often refers to a segment of a circle or other curves in mathematics.
Does Arc have any physical manifestations?
Beyond its geometrical meaning, Arc can manifest as an electric discharge or as a trajectory.
Can an Arch be decorative?
Yes, while Arches can be structural, they can also serve decorative purposes in architecture.
How is Arch related to feet?
Arch can refer to the curved part of the foot between the heel and toes.
Are Arch and Arc interchangeable?
No, they have distinct meanings and cannot be used interchangeably.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
