Bend: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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