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Bend Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bend

[bend ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in motion

To cause something that is usually straight to become curved or angled

Synonyms

curve, flex, twist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bend

Use when describing something that changes its shape at an angle without breaking, like a road or an elbow. Often used in physical contexts.

  • The road bends sharply to the left.
  • She bent down to tie her shoe.
curve

Best for describing something that follows a smooth, rounded shape, often used in artistic, mathematical, or road descriptions.

  • The river curves gently through the valley.
  • He had to calculate the curve of the graph.
flex

Commonly used for describing the action of tightening or relaxing muscles, or something that bends easily and returns to its original position.

  • He flexed his muscles in front of the mirror.
  • The flexible rod can flex without breaking.
twist

Used for describing something that changes shape by turning around itself, often implying rotation. It can be used both literally and metaphorically.

  • She twisted the cap off the bottle.
  • The plot of the novel has an unexpected twist.

Examples of usage

  • He bent the wire into a circle.
  • She bent down to pick up the coin.
Context #2 | Verb

figurative

To influence or persuade someone to your way of thinking

Synonyms

influence, persuade, sway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bend

Indicates changing a direction or position; can be used metaphorically to imply modifying someone's opinion or decision.

  • The road bends sharply here.
  • He would not bend on his decision despite the arguments.
influence

Used when discussing the power to have an effect on people, events, or behavior. It can have a subtle or indirect impact.

  • Her speech had a great influence on the audience.
  • Parental influence is crucial in a child's development.
persuade

Employed when talking about convincing someone to do something or believe in something through reasoning or argument.

  • She tried to persuade him to join the club.
  • He was able to persuade his parents to let him stay out late.
sway

Refers to gently moving or causing to move back and forth; can also describe affecting someone's opinion or decision, often with a slightly negative connotation.

  • The trees swayed in the wind.
  • Public opinion can easily be swayed by media reports.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher bent the student's opinion on the topic.
  • The advertisement was designed to bend consumer behavior.
Context #3 | Noun

shape

A curved or angled shape

Synonyms

angle, curve, turn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bend

Used to describe a general change in direction, often in roads, rivers, or physical objects.

  • The river took a sharp bend to the left
  • Be careful when driving, there's a bend ahead
curve

Used to describe something that deviates from being straight without forming angles, often smoothly or gently.

  • The road curves around the mountain
  • She drew a graceful curve on the paper
turn

Used to indicate a change in direction, commonly associated with movement such as driving or walking.

  • Take the next turn on your right
  • He told me to turn left at the traffic lights
angle

Used in geometry to describe the space between two intersecting lines or surfaces at or close to the point where they meet.

  • The two walls form a right angle
  • Adjust the picture so that it hangs at a proper angle

Examples of usage

  • The road took a sharp bend to the right.
  • The tree had a natural bend in its trunk.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Bending is an essential principle in physics, often involved in the study of materials and how they respond to forces.
  • In biology, certain plants bend towards light in a process called phototropism, helping them grow better.
  • Flexibility, the ability to bend easily, is important in both human physiology (muscles and joints) and the design of materials.

Art

  • Bending shapes and lines is a fundamental technique in sculpture and painting, aiding in creating dynamic forms.
  • In music, bending notes is a technique used by guitarists and blues musicians to create expressive sounds.
  • In design, bending techniques are employed to craft ergonomic products aimed at comfort and usability.

Language

  • The word has numerous idiomatic expressions, such as 'bend over backward,' which means to make a great effort to help someone.
  • 'Bend the rules' is another saying, indicating a willingness to be flexible with guidelines or expectations.
  • In literature, bending can symbolize change, loyalty, or compromise, revealing characters' growth.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, bending can be associated with respect, as seen in bowing traditions.
  • Bending also appears in martial arts, where practitioners emphasize flexibility and adaptability in movements.
  • The 'bent' spine is a common motif in many traditional dances around the world, showcasing the art of bending in motion.

Origin of 'bend'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bend' comes from the Old English 'bendan,' which means to 'cause to curve or to bow.'
  • Related words include 'bent,' which can describe something that is not straight anymore due to pressure or force.
  • The root of 'bend' can be traced back to Proto-Germanic languages, showcasing its long history in describing curvature.

The word 'bend' originated from Middle English 'benden' which is derived from Old English 'bendan', meaning 'to bend or make curved'. The word has been used in various contexts throughout history, symbolizing flexibility, influence, and change in shape.

See also: bendable, bending, bendingly, bent, unbend, unbending, unbendingly.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,203 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.