ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bentley

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈbɛntɫi// bent·ley

n. a very expensive and high-quality car made by a famous British company. People usually associate this name with luxury and wealth.

n. a high-performance luxury motor vehicle manufactured by the British company Bentley Motors Limited. Often used as a metonym for extreme wealth or status.


SIMPLE

He parked his shiny black Bentley in front of the hotel.

CONTEXTUAL

The CEO arrived at the gala in a chauffeur-driven Bentley, signaling her success to the gathered crowd.

COMPLEX

While many collectors prefer vintage sports cars, he maintains a fleet of modern Bentleys, valuing their unique combination of handcrafted interiors and immense engine power.

Etymology 1

From Old English Beonetlēah. Originally a Sussex habitational name, the word lēah or lēag meaning field in Old English. Hence, equivalent to bent (“bent-grass”) + -leigh/lea (“meadow, field”); compare Bentham.

Etymology 2

Named after the founder of Bentley Motors, WO Bentley.

Usage

When referring to the car itself, it is a countable noun; when referring to the brand, it is treated as a proper noun.

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