Dictionary

1bent

noun \ˈbent\

Definition of BENT

1
:  unenclosed grassland
2
a (1) :  a reedy grass (2) :  a stalk of stiff coarse grass
b :  bent grass
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Origin of BENT

Middle English, grassy place, bent grass, from Old English beonot-; akin to Old High German binuz rush
First Known Use: 14th century

Other Ecology Terms

Malthusian, anthropogenic, biomass, carbon footprint, crepuscular, niche, sere, symbiosis, taiga, tundra

2bent

adjective

: having a shape that is changed by bending : not straight

: not honest

Full Definition of BENT

1
:  changed by bending out of an originally straight or even condition <bent twigs>
2
:  strongly inclined :  determined —usually used with on <was bent on going>
3
slang
a :  different from the normal or usual
b chiefly British :  dishonest, corrupt
bent out of shape
:  extremely upset or angry

Origin of BENT

Middle English, from past participle of benden to bend
First Known Use: 14th century

3bent

noun

Definition of BENT

1
a :  a strong inclination or interest :  bias
b :  a special inclination or capacity :  talent
2
:  capacity of endurance
3
:  a transverse framework (as in a bridge) to carry lateral as well as vertical loads

Origin of BENT

irregular from 1bend
First Known Use: 1586

Synonym Discussion of BENT

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>.
BENT Defined for Kids

1bent

adjective \ˈbent\

Definition of BENT for Kids

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

2bent

noun

Definition of BENT for Kids

:  a natural talent or interest <Some students have a scientific bent.>
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