What does “bent” mean?
- 1
adjectivedetermined to do something, used with “on”
She seems bent on proving everyone wrong.
- 2
adjectivenot straight; curved or folded
The old nail was bent and rusty.
- 3
nouna natural talent or interest
He has an artistic bent.
Bent at a glance
- Part of speech
- adjective & noun
- CEFR level
- C1 (advanced)
- Pronunciation
- /bɛnt/ · BENT
How to use “bent” correctly
“Bent” is also the past form of “bend”. “Bent on” usually suggests a strong, sometimes harmful determination.
Common phrases with “bent”
- bent on doing
- hell-bent on
- a natural bent
- bent over
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- determined
- crooked
- talent
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
Idioms with “bent”
- Bent out of shape: Annoyed or upset, often more than the situation deserves.
“bent” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- arbitrary adjectiveC1based on chance or personal choice rather than on a reason or system
- credible adjectiveC1able to be believed or trusted
- inclined adjectiveC1wanting to do something, or likely to behave in a certain way
- apparent adjectiveB2clear and easy to notice
- attribute verbC1to say or believe that something is caused by or belongs to someone or something
- conjure verbC1to make a picture or memory appear in someone’s mind
- distinction nounC1a clear difference between two similar things
- dwell verbC1to keep thinking or talking about something, especially something unpleasant, used with “on”