bend
- 01 A2 Elementary
v.to force something straight into a curved shape.
v.to cause a physical object to change from a straight to a curved or angular shape through force.
Simple“You have to bend the wire carefully so it does not snap.”
In context“The blacksmith used extreme heat to bend the iron bar into a decorative scroll for the gate.”
Antonyms - 02 A2 Elementary
v.to move the top part of your body down or forward.
v.to incline the body or a body part from a vertical position; to stoop.
Simple“She had to bend down to tie her shoelaces.”
In context“The gardener spent the entire morning bending over the flower beds to remove stubborn weeds.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
v.to turn or change the direction of a path or road.
v.to deviate from a straight line or course; used of roads, rivers, or paths.
Simple“The road bends sharply to the left just after the bridge.”
In context“The river bends significantly as it approaches the valley, creating a natural barrier for the local wildlife.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to make someone do what you want or follow your rules.
v.to force someone to submit to one's will or to adapt rules to suit a specific purpose.
Simple“He refused to bend the rules even for his best friend.”
In context“The negotiator tried to bend the opposition to his will by threatening to withdraw the funding entirely.”
- 05 B1 Intermediate
n.a curve in a road, river, or path.
n.a curved part of a linear structure, especially a road or a watercourse.
Simple“Slow down before you reach the sharp bend in the road.”
In context“The driver failed to navigate the hairpin bend, resulting in the vehicle sliding off the gravel shoulder.”
- 06 C1 Advanced
n.a painful and dangerous condition that divers get if they come to the surface too quickly.
n.a condition caused by the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the blood due to rapid decompression.
Simple“The diver had to stay in a special tank to recover from the bends.”
In context“Ascending too rapidly from a deep-sea dive can trigger the bends, necessitating immediate treatment in a hyperbaric chamber.”
UsageUsually used in the plural form: 'the bends'.
Synonymsdecompression sickness - 07 C1 Advanced
n.changing the sound of a note by pushing a guitar string.
n.a technique where a musician changes the pitch of a note by physically pushing a string or changing air pressure.
Simple“The guitarist added a slow bend to the final note of the solo.”
In context“Mastering the blues requires a precise ear for the half-step bend, ensuring the pitch remains consistent with the scale.”
Synonymsglissando