unbend
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ʌnˈbɛnd/
KK: /ʌnˈbɛnd/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become straight or less tense after being bent or curved.
Example
After a long day at work, I like to unbend and relax with a good book.
Tense Forms
Past: unbent
Past Participle: unbent
Conversation
I’ve been feeling so tense lately, I really need to unbend a little.
I totally get that! Maybe we should take a break and just relax for a bit.
Yeah, I think it would help if I could just unbend my mind and not overthink everything.
Absolutely! Let’s just chill and enjoy some time off together.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
relax
loosen
straighten
Antonyms
tense
tighten
bend
transitive verb
Definition
To make something straight again after it has been bent or curved.
Example
She tried to unbend the paper clip so it would fit in the binder.
Tense Forms
Past: unbent
Past Participle: unbent
Conversation
I need to unbend this paper clip for my project.
Oh, I have a tool that can help with that.
Thanks! It always seems to get bent out of shape.
Root Explanation
Unbend → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or opposite of) and "bend" (from Old English "bendan", meaning to bend or curve). The word "unbend" means to not bend or to straighten something that is bent.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not bending' something — 'un-' means not, and 'bend' means to curve. This helps you remember that 'unbend' means to straighten something out.
Visually Confused Words
upbend
unbred
unbled
unbind
unblended
bend