bent

UK: bent | US: bent

Definition

  1. adj. 1. not straight; curved or angled

  2. adj. 2. determined or strongly inclined (e.g., "bent on success")

  3. n. 1. a natural talent or inclination (e.g., "a bent for music")

  4. n. 2. (slang) dishonest or corrupt behavior

Structure
bend <to curve>t <past participle suffix>
Etymology

The word "bent" originates from the Old English verb "bendan," meaning "to curve or flex." The past participle form "bent" emerged in Middle English, retaining the core idea of curvature while later expanding metaphorically to describe mental inclination (e.g., "bent on") or moral deviation (slang usage). The noun form evolved from the idea of a "bent" shape implying natural tendency.

Examples

  1. The old tree had a bent trunk after years of wind exposure.

  2. She was bent on finishing the project before the deadline.

  3. His artistic bent was evident from childhood.

  4. (Slang) The investigation revealed bent dealings in the department.

  5. He straightened the bent wire with pliers.