B2adjective3K

Bent

UK /["/bent/"]/US /["/bent/"]/

Definition

not straight

In simple words: Not straight; curved or twisted.

Examples

a piece of bent wire
Do this exercise with your knees bent *(= not with your legs straight)*.
The lamp post got bent in the crash.
Lock your elbows in a slightly bent position.
a small bent old woman
He was **bent double** with laughter.
She seems bent on making life difficult for me.
to be bent on destruction/revenge
He's your typical supervillain, bent on world domination.
Don't get bent out of shape about it. It was just a mistake!

Usage notes

Use 'bent' to describe objects that are not straight, like a bent wire. Avoid using it for abstract concepts, as it's more physical in nature.

Grammar pattern

bent + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'bent' paper clip that has lost its shape.

Collocations

be
look
become
slightly
bent double

Synonyms

curved
twisted
warped
deformed
angled

Antonyms

straight
even
aligned

Common mistakes

Confused with 'bent' as a moral definition, meaning dishonest.
Using 'bend' instead of 'bent' when describing past actions.
Not using the correct past participle form in passive constructions.