Bounce
Definition 1 of 6
Pro Tip 1/3
Physical Action
Use 'bounce' to describe the physical motion of objects after impact. The basketball bounced on the floor and into the hoop.
Pro Tip 2/3
Not for all objects
Objects must be elastic or have some flexibility to 'bounce'; rigid objects don't. A glass jar won't bounce; it'll likely break.
Pro Tip 3/3
Metaphorical Use
'Bounce' can metaphorically suggest someone recovering quickly from a setback. After failing the test, he bounced back with extra studying.