bent

Having a curve or angle instead of being straight.

• The metal rod is bent.
• She sat with her knees bent.
• Can this bent wheel be repaired?

Similar words: curved, crooked

Opposites: straight

Common phrases: bent wire, bent knee, bent out of shape

Very determined to do or achieve something.

• He is bent on winning.
• They were bent on reaching the summit before sunset.
• Why are you so bent on leaving tonight?

How to use it: be bent on doing something (She was bent on finishing the race.); be bent on something (He seemed bent on revenge.)

Similar words: determined, intent, set

Common phrases: bent on something, bent on winning, bent on revenge

Upset or annoyed about something.

• Don't get bent over a joke.
• She was all bent about the cancelled plans.
• Why is he so bent about a little criticism?

How to use it: be bent about something (He was still bent about losing the game.)

Similar words: annoyed, upset, irritated

Opposites: unbothered

Common phrases: get bent, all bent, bent about something

A natural interest or ability in a particular activity or subject.

• He has an artistic bent.
• Her natural bent for music appeared early.
• The course suits students with a creative bent.

How to use it: a bent for something (She has a natural bent for mathematics.)

Similar words: inclination, aptitude, talent

Common phrases: natural bent, artistic bent, bent for something

A tendency to think or behave in a particular way.

• She has a practical bent.
• His mind is of a scientific bent.
• Readers of a philosophical bent will enjoy these essays.

How to use it: of a particular bent (People of a practical bent may prefer hands-on work.)

Similar words: inclination, tendency, disposition

Common phrases: practical bent, philosophical bent, of a certain bent