Bends: meaning, definitions and examples

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bends

 

[ bΙ›ndz ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

physical action

To bend means to shape or force something straight into a curve or angle. It can also refer to the act of leaning or tilting one's body in a particular direction.

Synonyms

curve, flex, lean, warp

Examples of usage

  • She bends the wire to create a sculpture.
  • He bends down to tie his shoes.
  • The tree bends in the wind.
Context #2 | Noun

curved shape

Bends refer to the act of bending or the resulting curve formed by such an action. In various contexts, it can describe a specific curve or turn in a path.

Synonyms

angle, curve, turn

Examples of usage

  • The road has many bends that make it challenging to drive.
  • There are sharp bends in the river.
  • The track has a few tight bends.

Word origin

The word 'bend' originates from the Old English 'bendian', which is derived from Proto-Germanic '*bandwō', meaning 'to bind' or 'to curve'. Its usage has evolved over centuries, extending across various dialects within the Germanic languages. The meaning of bending as a literal physical action has been consistently conveyed, while metaphorical uses emerged, signifying flexibility or adaptability in attitudes or decisions. Throughout history, the concept of bending has been integral in both physical and abstract representations, such as bending rules or bending the truth, establishing its versatility in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,583, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.