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Bending Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bending

[หˆbษ›ndษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physics

The action of applying a force to something and causing it to become curved.

Synonyms

curvature, curve, flexure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bending

Applicable when referring to the action or effect of twisting or forcing something into a curve or angle.

  • He demonstrated the bending of the steel rod
curvature

Used when describing the state or condition of being curved, often in a more technical or scientific context.

  • The curvature of the Earth can be observed from a high altitude
flexure

Appropriate for more formal or scientific descriptions, referring to a bend or fold in a structure, especially in biological or geological contexts.

  • The flexure of the vertebral column is crucial for proper movement
curve

Best for talking about a smooth, rounded line or surface. Often used in mathematics, engineering, and everyday speech.

  • The road takes a sharp curve to the right

Examples of usage

  • The bending of the light rays caused a beautiful rainbow to appear.
  • She studied the bending of the metal rod under pressure in her physics class.
Context #2 | Noun

construction

The process of shaping or forming something by applying pressure or force.

Synonyms

forming, molding, shaping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bending

Used when referring to objects or materials being curved or angled under force. Often used in engineering, physics, or describing physical actions involving flexibility.

  • She tried bending the metal bar, but it was too strong
  • The tree branches were bending under the weight of the snow
shaping

General term for giving form to something. Can be applied to physical objects or more abstract concepts like behavior or opinions. Often used in creative or developmental contexts.

  • The sculptor was shaping the marble into a lifelike statue
  • The teacher played a key role in shaping the student's future
forming

Refers to creating or developing something into a particular shape or state. This term is broad and can apply to physical objects, ideas, relationships, or plans.

  • The clay was forming into a beautiful vase under the potter's hands
  • They spent hours forming a new business strategy
molding

Specifically involves shaping a pliable material by pouring or pressing into a mold. Common in manufacturing, art, and culinary contexts.

  • She was molding the chocolate into intricate shapes for the cake
  • The factory is molding plastic into toy figures

Examples of usage

  • The bending of the steel beams was essential for the construction of the bridge.
  • He demonstrated the proper technique for bending wood to create furniture.
Context #3 | Verb

action

To force something into a curved or angular shape.

Synonyms

curve, flex, twist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bending

Used when describing an object or part that is forced into a curved or angled shape, often under pressure.

  • The wind was so strong that it was bending the trees.
  • He injured his back while bending down to pick up the heavy box.
curve

Refers to a smoothly round bend, often used in geometry or when describing roads or shapes.

  • The road ahead has a sharp curve.
  • She draws a beautiful curve with just one stroke of the pen.
flex

Typically used to describe muscles or objects capable of bending without breaking under pressure.

  • He flexed his muscles to show his strength.
  • This material is designed to flex without snapping.
twist

Implies a forceful or sudden turning motion, often resulting in a spiral shape. Can have a negative connotation if implying distortion.

  • She twisted the handle to open the door.
  • He felt a painful twist in his ankle after the fall.

Examples of usage

  • She was bending the wire to create a sculpture.
  • The strong wind was bending the trees in the forest.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Bending is a crucial concept in physics, especially in understanding forces and how materials behave under stress.
  • In engineering, bending stress refers to how much a material can bend before it breaks, which is essential for structures.
  • Flexibility in biology can be seen in how certain plants bend towards sunlight, a process called phototropism.

Art

  • In sculpture, artists often bend materials to create unique forms, showcasing their creativity.
  • Bending light, such as through lenses, allows artists to create beautiful visual effects in photography and design.
  • Calligraphy is an art form where the bending of letters creates flow and beauty in writing.

Cultural Practices

  • In yoga, many positions focus on bending the body to improve flexibility and strength.
  • Traditional crafts like origami involve bending paper into intricate shapes and figures.
  • In dance, the concept of bending is key for expressing movement and grace, with performers often bending their bodies dramatically.

Psychology

  • The ability to bend rules or adapt to new situations is often seen as a sign of creativity and open-mindedness.
  • Bending one's perspective in discussions can lead to better conflict resolution and understanding among peers.
  • Cognitive flexibility refers to the mental ability to switch between thinking about different concepts, akin to bending thoughts in new directions.

Origin of 'bending'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'bendan,' which means to make something curved.
  • It has roots in Germanic languages, similar to the Dutch 'benden,' indicating a long history of the concept in language.
  • In various languages, the concept of bending often relates to flexibility and adaptability.

The word 'bending' originated from the Middle English word 'benden', which is derived from the Old English word 'bendan'. The concept of bending has been crucial in various fields such as physics, construction, and art throughout history. The ability to bend materials has allowed humans to create new structures, pieces of art, and technological advancements.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,660 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.