Bent: meaning, definitions and examples

This is used to describe something that is not straight, often suggesting it has been deliberately or naturally changed from its original form.

• The metal rod was bent during the storm.
• She had a bent old bike frame in her garage.

Describes something not straight, often implying irregularity or dishonesty. It has a negative connotation when referring to a person's behavior.

• The picture frame was hanging crooked on the wall.
• The crooked banker was arrested for fraud.

Used to describe smooth, rounded shapes, often referring to lines or objects that have a continuous bend.

• The path curved gently around the lake.
• He drew a curved line on the paper.

Typically used to describe something curved outward or arched, often referring to postures or shapes.

• The tree was bowed from the weight of the snow.
• He walked with a bowed head.

Used when something is not straight or is deformed. Can also refer to someone's strong inclination towards something.

• The metal rod was bent out of shape.
• He has a bent for figuring out complex puzzles.

Mainly used when an object bends due to pressure or force, such as muscles or materials. Can also mean showing off one's strength or abilities.

• She can flex her muscles easily.
• The plastic sheet will flex when pressure is applied.

Refers to a smoothly bending line without sharp angles. Commonly used in geometry, road descriptions, and data graphs.

• The road ahead has a sharp curve.
• The curve of the river was beautiful.

Implies a turn or rotation that changes the shape or direction of something. Can also be used to describe complicating or distorting facts, often in a negative sense.

• He twisted the knob to open the door.
• The plot of the movie had an unexpected twist.
• Don't twist my words; that's not what I meant.

Used to describe a natural talent or skill that someone has. Often implies a strong interest or predisposition towards something.

• She has a bent for mathematics and often wins competitions.
• His bent for creative writing became evident at an early age.

Describes a person's natural tendency or preference for something. Often used when talking about personal choices or tendencies.

• Despite his inclination to stay in, he decided to go out.
• She has an inclination towards helping others.

Used in contexts where the focus is on the ability to learn or understand quickly, typically in a specific area. It is often employed in educational or skill assessment settings.

• Her aptitude for science earned her a scholarship.
• He took an aptitude test to determine his strengths.

Typically used to describe a strong, natural tendency to behave in a certain way, often in a habitual or negative context.

• He has a propensity to procrastinate, which affects his productivity.
• Their propensity for arguing often creates tension.