bend
B1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To curve or flex something from a straight or normal shape.
To influence or distort something, such as rules or truth; to submit or yield to pressure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, it can be transitive or intransitive; often implies a gradual or smooth curve rather than a sharp angle. The noun form refers to a curve or angle in something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'bend' can imply flexibility, submission, or adaptation.
Frequency
Equally common in both BrE and AmE across various contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO (transitive): He bent the wire.SV (intransitive): The tree bends in the wind.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bend over backwards”
- “bend the rules”
- “on bended knee”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To bend the rules for a client might lead to ethical issues.
Academic
In physics, materials bend under stress according to Hooke's law.
Everyday
Can you bend down and pick that up for me?
Technical
The beam will bend if the load exceeds its yield point in engineering.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He had to bend the metal bar into shape for the repair.
American English
- She bent over to tie her shoes before the run.
adjective
British English
- The bend radius must be calculated accurately in the design.
American English
- Check the bend allowance specified in the engineering blueprint.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The road bends to the left just ahead.
- You need to bend the wire carefully to make a hook.
- He refused to bend to their demands during the negotiation.
- The journalist was accused of bending the truth to sensationalise the story.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bend in the road; it curves away from straight, just like bending something.
Conceptual Metaphor
Bending is yielding; flexibility in shape or opinion, often associated with adaptation or submission.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'bend' directly as 'гнуть' in all contexts; for example, 'bend the rules' is 'нарушать правила' (break the rules) not 'гнуть правила'.
- Confusion with 'сгибать' which is more about folding, while 'bend' implies a curve.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'bend' for 'fold' (e.g., 'bend the paper' instead of 'fold the paper').
- Overusing intransitive form without an object when transitive is needed, e.g., 'He bent' without specifying what.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'bend over backwards' typically express?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is irregular: bend, bent, bent.
Yes, as in 'a sharp bend in the river' or 'a bend in the road'.
'Bend' implies a curve or flex without creasing, while 'fold' involves doubling over onto itself, often creating a sharp edge or crease.
In fields like engineering, 'bend' refers to the deformation of a material under load, measured by parameters like bend radius or bend strength.