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bent

noun (1)
\ ˈbent How to pronounce bent (audio) \

Definition of bent

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1 : unenclosed grassland

2 botany

a(1) : a reedy grass (see grass entry 1 sense 2)
(2) : a stalk of stiff coarse grass
b : bent grass

bent

adjective

Definition of bent (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : changed by bending out of an originally straight or even condition bent twigs standing with knees slightly bent
2 : strongly inclined : determined —usually used with on was bent on going

3 slang

a : different from the normal or usual … she was so bent that she's probably a woman who ought to be locked up somewhere …— Robert Redford
b chiefly British : dishonest, corrupt a bent cop
c chiefly US : intoxicated, drunk Like to get bent? This hangover beater will help you get back on track. — Vibe
bent out of shape
: extremely upset or angry
get bent
slang —used as an angry or contemptuous way of dismissing someone's statement, suggestion, etc. I try to call him the next morning to apologize, but he tells me to get bent.— Chuck Klosterman

bent

noun (2)

Definition of bent (Entry 3 of 3)

1a : a strong inclination or interest : bias the organization's religious bent
b : a special inclination or capacity : talent students with a scientific bent
2 : capacity of endurance They fool me to the top of my bent.— Shakespeare
3 engineering : a transverse framework (as in a bridge) to carry lateral as well as vertical loads
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about bent

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Choose the Right Synonym for bent

Noun (2)

gift, faculty, aptitude, bent, talent, genius, knack mean a special ability for doing something. gift often implies special favor by God or nature. the gift of singing beautifully faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function. a faculty for remembering names aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it. a mechanical aptitude bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability. a family with an artistic bent talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed. has enough talent to succeed genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability. has no great genius for poetry knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance. the knack of getting along

Examples of bent in a Sentence

Adjective

 With your knees slightly bent, bend forward and touch your toes. the drug dealer knew which of the cops were bent

First Known Use of bent

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for bent

Noun (1)

Middle English, grassy place, bent grass, from Old English beonot-; akin to Old High German binuz rush

Adjective

Middle English, from past participle of benden to bend

Noun (2)

irregular from bend entry 1

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More Definitions for bent

bent

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of bent

: having a shape that is changed by bending : not straight
chiefly British, informal : not honest

See the full definition for bent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

bent

adjective
\ ˈbent How to pronounce bent (audio) \

Kids Definition of bent

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : changed by bending : crooked a bent pin
2 : strongly favorable to : quite determined She was bent on going anyway.

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