Bending Meaning and Definition
Bending
Pronunciation
/ˈbɛndɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A shape or configuration that curves or turns away from a straight line, often referring to a physical or abstract entity that deforms or deviates from its original form.
Examples
- The mountain range featured a series of bendings and turnings.
- The artist created a sculpture that explored the concept of bending and distortion.
Synonyms
- Curve
- Twist
- Contortion
Antonyms
- Straight
- Linear
Etymology
From Old English “bendum” meaning “bend” or “curve”, derived from Proto-Germanic “*bendiz” and Proto-Indo-European “*bendhes”.
Usage Notes
Bending can be used to describe physical deformations, such as the bending of a wire or a piece of metal. It can also be used to describe abstract concepts, such as the bending of time or the bending of rules.
Cultural References
Bending has been referenced in various cultural contexts, including literature, art, and music. For example, the concept of bending is central to the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, who explored the idea of the “will to power” and the “bending of the flesh”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To bend the rules
- In a bendy situation
Related Words or Phrases
- Curvature
- Sway
- Deflection
Collocations
- To bend over backwards
- To bend one’s ear to something
Frequency of Use
Bending is a relatively common term in everyday language, particularly in contexts where physical or abstract deformations are being described.
Common Misspellings
- Bendding
- Bendin’