English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Learning curve
Meaning
The idiom "learning curve" refers to the gradient of a concept or skill as it is learned, where initially it is difficult to grasp but becomes easier over time. It describes the process of acquiring knowledge or skills and how it gradually improves with practice and exposure.
Usage
- The new programming language has a steep learning curve, but once you master it, you'll be able to write efficient code quickly.
- I found the first few weeks of learning Spanish challenging, but after a few months, I'm now conversing fluently with locals.
- As an experienced musician, the new software was easy for me to pick up, but my beginner friend struggled with the steep learning curve.
- The initial stages of training for a marathon can be tough, but once you reach your peak fitness level, it becomes a breeze.
- The concept of quantum mechanics took some time for me to understand, but after studying it for several years, I can now explain it to others with ease.
Roots and History
The idiom "learning curve" has been used in English since the early 20th century and was first documented in a 1949 book by the British scientist Sir Cyril Burt. The term is derived from the mathematical concept of a curve, where the rate of change or slope varies over time. In the context of learning, this refers to how the level of difficulty increases as knowledge is acquired and gradually decreases with practice and repetition.
Synonyms in English
- Steep learning curve
- Learning cliff
- Gradual learning curve
- Slow start
- Learning path
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: "curva de aprendizaje" (meaning 'learning curve')
- French: "pente d'apprentissage" (meaning 'learning slope')
- Italian: "curva di apprendimento" (meaning 'learning curve')
- German: "Lernungskurve" (meaning 'learning curve')
- Japanese: "学習曲線" (meaning 'learning curve')