unbent

/ˌən-ˈbend How to pronounce unbend (audio)/ (ame, mw)

unbent — verb

  • unbentpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • unbents3rd person singular
  • unbenting-ing form
  • unbentedpast simple

1. to remove a bend from something such as wire, metal, or card, or for a bent thin

1.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to remove a bend from something such as wire, metal, or card, or for a bent thing to return to a straight shape again.

例句

Dario used pliers to unbend the metal hook before hanging the lantern.

transitive: unbend + thin rigid object

After a warm wash, the stiff brim slowly unbent and lay flat again.

intransitive: bent object unbent by itself

同義詞
  • straighten

    the broad everyday verb for making something straight

  • flatten

    focuses on pressing something level, not just removing one bend

  • reshape

    broader and can involve changing the whole form, not only straightening

反義詞
  • bend

    to make something curve or angle away from a straight line

  • curl

    to turn into a rounded shape rather than a straight one

文法句型

unbend + object

object + unbend

unbend + object + before / after + action

用法筆記

This sense is most often used for a single bent part, such as a hook, wire, rim, or paper clip. The intransitive use is less common and describes the object returning to shape by itself.

常見錯誤

❌She unbent the shirt with an iron.
✅She straightened the shirt with an iron.
💡unbend is usually for removing a clear bend from a firmer object, not for smoothing cloth.
❌The nurse unbent his mood after the bad news.
✅The nurse helped him relax after the bad news.
💡this physical sense is for objects becoming straight, not for a person's feelings.

2. to stop sounding stiff or severe and begin behaving in an easier, friendlier way

2.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to stop sounding stiff or severe and begin behaving in an easier, friendlier way, especially in company.

例句

Once the meeting ended, Talia unbent and laughed with the junior staff.

figurative: become less stiff in company

At the family picnic, Mert finally unbent enough to join the card game.

同義詞
  • relax

    the broad everyday word for becoming less tense in body or manner

  • loosen up

    more informal and often suggests becoming livelier or less shy

  • soften

    often focuses on a less severe tone or attitude rather than sociability

反義詞
  • stiffen

    to become more severe, tense, or formal

  • withdraw

    to become quieter and less open with other people

文法句型

unbend

unbend a little

unbend with friends / after work

用法筆記

This sense usually describes a person who becomes easier to talk to for a short time after being formal, stern, or distant. It is much more common in careful writing than in everyday conversation.

常見錯誤

❌She unbent from the chair and waved to us.
✅She stood up from the chair and waved to us.
💡this sense is about manner and attitude, not body position.
❌My uncle unbent at everyone from the first minute.
✅My uncle unbent with us after dinner.
💡the word usually suggests a gradual easing of formality in a familiar social setting.