bent
/bent/ (bre, ipa) · [bˈɛnt] /bent/ (ame, ipa) · [bˈɛnt] /ˈbent/ (ame, mw)
bent — verb
- bentpresent simple I / you / we / they
- bents3rd person singular
- benting-ing form
- bentedpast simple
1. the irregular past-tense and past-participle form of 'bend', used when something
the irregular past-tense and past-participle form of 'bend', used when something was curved, when a person leaned, or when a rule was stretched.
Dahlia bent the wire into a small ring for the keychain.
simple past: bent + object
When the bus stopped suddenly, Selim bent forward and grabbed the rail.
bent + adverb for body movement
The little tree bent in the wind but did not break.
To fit the frame in the car, Mayumi bent the cardboard corner.
Christopher bent the classroom rules by using a phone during the test.
文法句型
bent + object
bent + adverb
had + bent + object
用法筆記
Bend is irregular: bend -> bent -> bent. Use 'bent' for completed past actions and after have, has, or had in perfect tenses.
常見錯誤
bent — adjective
- bentpositive
- bentercomparative
- bentestsuperlative
1. forced into a curve, angle, or stooping shape so that it no longer stays straigh
forced into a curve, angle, or stooping shape so that it no longer stays straight, level, or upright.
The bicycle wheel looked bent after Eric hit the curb.
collocation: bent wheel
Constanza replaced the bent spoon before serving the soup.
bent + everyday object
One bent nail was sticking out of the old fence.
After the fall, the bent glasses would not sit straight.
文法句型
bent + noun
be/look bent
用法筆記
Often used for metal, wood, plastic, or body parts after pressure, age, or injury has changed their shape.
常見錯誤
2. corrupt and willing to misuse power or take dishonest payments, especially in an
corrupt and willing to misuse power or take dishonest payments, especially in an official job.
Residents knew the bent official was taking money from local builders.
British informal: bent official
The paper accused a bent judge of helping the gang avoid prison.
bent + authority noun
Nobody trusted the bent inspector after the missing evidence was found.
In the drama, a bent mayor sold city land to old friends.
文法句型
bent + official noun
用法筆記
Mainly British and informal. It most often describes police, politicians, judges, or other people trusted with authority.
常見錯誤
3. used as a strong insulting label aimed at gay men and, more broadly, other gay p
used as a strong insulting label aimed at gay men and, more broadly, other gay people.
The film includes the word "bent", which many viewers find offensive.
meta-linguistic use: discussing the slur itself
An editor removed "bent" from the article because it was insulting.
quote form when referring to the slur
Older police reports sometimes used "bent" in ways that are now condemned.
The teacher explained that "bent" is a slur and should not be used.
文法句型
use the word bent
call someone bent
用法筆記
Now most often mentioned only when discussing offensive language itself. Do not use it as a neutral description of anyone.
4. so fixed on an aim that you keep trying to do it, often for a harmful or stubbor
so fixed on an aim that you keep trying to do it, often for a harmful or stubborn reason.
Tendai seemed bent on proving everyone wrong after the first defeat.
bent on + -ing form
The company is bent on cutting costs, even if service suffers.
bent on + noun phrase goal
Sivan was bent on revenge after the lies ruined everything.
The boys were bent on climbing the wall despite repeated warnings.
- determined
more neutral and can describe positive goals as well
- set on
close in meaning and also often followed by a goal
文法句型
be bent on + noun
be bent on + -ing
用法筆記
Almost always followed by 'on' plus a noun or an -ing form. It often suggests stubbornness or a goal that may cause harm.
常見錯誤
bent — noun
1. an inborn ability that makes someone especially good at a kind of work, study, o
an inborn ability that makes someone especially good at a kind of work, study, or creative activity.
Jisoo has a bent for languages and picks up accents quickly.
a bent for + noun
Even as a child, Gita showed a bent for fixing broken radios.
a bent for + -ing
Élise's bent for design helped the small shop look elegant.
Teachers noticed Jin's musical bent long before the orchestra auditions.
- inability
lack of the skill or natural capacity
文法句型
a bent for + noun
a bent for + -ing
用法筆記
Most often appears in patterns like 'a bent for music' or 'a bent for solving puzzles'. It suggests natural ability, not just temporary interest.
常見錯誤
2. a leaning toward a certain opinion, style, or way of reacting.
a leaning toward a certain opinion, style, or way of reacting.
A manager with a bent toward caution checks every number twice.
bent toward + noun
The magazine has a political bent that favors local control.
political bent
Christopher's essays carry a comic bent, even in sad scenes.
The report shows a clear bent against raising taxes this year.
- inclination
slightly more formal and often about personal preference
- bias
stronger and often suggests unfairness
- neutrality
lack of a clear leaning or bias
文法句型
a bent toward + noun
a bent against + -ing
a political/comic bent
用法筆記
Often used with 'toward', 'for', or 'against' to show the direction of a person's bias or a text's point of view.