First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1bent
noun \ˈbent\
Definition of BENT
1
: unenclosed grassland
2
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Origin of BENT
Middle English, grassy place, bent grass, from Old English beonot-; akin to Old High German binuz rush
Other Ecology Terms
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
— bent out of shape
: extremely upset or angry
See bent defined for English-language learners
Origin of BENT
Middle English, from past participle of benden to bend
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to BENT
- Synonyms
- dishonest [chiefly British], crooked, deceptive, double-dealing, duplicitous, fast, fraudulent, guileful, rogue, shady, sharp, shifty, underhand, underhanded
- Antonyms
- aboveboard, honest, straight
3bent
noun
Definition of BENT
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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