The concept of being "bent" toward something has evolved beyond just describing physical curvature. In modern usage, the term is often used to convey a person's natural tendency or inclination toward a specific skill, trait, or behavior. For example, someone might have a "bent" for leadership or creativity. The term is sometimes used to describe both positive and negative tendencies. Its figurative use emphasizes human nature’s tendency to "bend" toward certain inclinations or actions, whether deliberate or subconscious.
bent in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
bent in Sindhi سنڌي
bent in English
- bent⇄adj. 1. not straight; crooked; curved.
Ex. The farmer's back was bent from years of toil.
2. (Figurative.) strongly inclined; determined.
Ex. He is bent on being a doctor.
(SYN) resolute, resolved, set.
3. on one's way; b - bent⇄bent (1), verb, adjective, noun.
verb a past tense and a past participle of bend (1).
Ex. He bent the wire. - bent⇄bent (2), noun.
1. bent grass.
2. any stiff or wiry grass that grows on sandy or waste land.
3. a stalk of such grass or of bent grass.
4. (Archaic.) a heath; moor. - bent⇄noun 1. (Figurative.) a natural inclination; tendency.
Ex. He has a decided bent for drawing.
(SYN) penchant, bias.
2a. limit of capacity; degree of endurance (now used only in the Shakespearean phrase ?to the top of one's bent).
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Bent
Part of Speech
Adjective, Noun, Verb (past tense)
Pronunciation
/bɛnt/
Definitions
- Adjective: Having a curved shape; not straight.
- Verb (past tense): To have caused something to become curved or angled.
- Noun: A particular inclination or tendency, especially one toward a particular activity or goal.
Usage Examples
- The branch was bent under the weight of the snow.
- She bent down to pick up the book.
- He has a bent for artistic pursuits.
Etymology
Originating from Middle English "benten," from Old English "bendan" meaning to bind or make curved, derived from Proto-Germanic *bindan. The meaning of "curved" evolved over time, while the verb "to bend" appeared in late Old English.
Synonyms
- Curved
- Twisted
- Deformed
- Inclined
Antonyms
- Straight
- Upright
- Level
- Flat
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Curvado | /kurˈβaðo/ |
| French | Courbé | /kuʁbe/ |
| German | Gekrümmt | /ɡəˈkʁʏm̯t/ |
| Italian | Piegato | /pjeˈɡato/ |
| Chinese | 弯曲 | /wānqū/ |
| Russian | Изогнутый | /iˈzoɡnʊtɨj/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In American English, "bent" is commonly pronounced with a flatter "e" sound.
- In British English, the pronunciation tends to have a slightly more rounded "e" sound.
Historical Usage
The word "bent" has been in use since the early medieval period, originally describing something that was physically curved. By the 14th century, it also began to refer to tendencies or inclinations, often in a figurative sense. Over time, the word became used in various contexts to describe physical and metaphorical curving or turning toward a particular direction or purpose.
Cultural Nuances
In various cultures, the term "bent" is used to describe a person’s natural inclination or tendency toward a particular interest or activity, often with positive connotations. For example, a person with a "bent for music" is someone naturally inclined toward musical pursuits. In some cases, however, it can refer to a negative or harmful inclination, such as a "bent toward dishonesty."