unbent
|un-bent|
/ʌnˈbɛnt/
(unbend)
inflexible
Etymology
'unbent' originates from Old English elements: the prefix 'un-' (Old English 'un-') meaning 'not' combined with 'bend' (from Old English 'bendan' meaning 'to bend').
'unbend' formed in early English by joining 'un-' + Old English/Middle English forms of 'bend' (Middle English 'benden'/'benden'), and the past participle/past tense produced the form 'unbent' used in Middle English and later.
Initially it referred primarily to the literal sense 'not bent' (physically straight) or the action of straightening; over time it also took on figurative senses such as 'relaxed' (from the verb 'unbend') and 'not bowed/unyielding'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'unbend' (to make or become less formal or more relaxed; to straighten).
He unbent after the formal speech and began to chat more casually.
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Adjective 1
not bent; straight (physically).
The metal rod was still unbent after the test.
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Adjective 2
not made to yield or bow; resolute or uncompromising (figurative).
She remained unbent in her principles despite the pressure.
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Last updated: 2025/11/07 07:24