Bent on
/bɛnt ɒn/
B2
Definition
The phrase "bent on" describes someone who is very determined to do something. It shows a strong intention or decision to achieve a particular aim or action, often without letting anything stop them.
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See It in Action
Determined to do something
- •She was bent on winning the race, training every day.
- •They were bent on solving the problem no matter how hard it was.
- •He is bent on leaving his job to start his own business.
Focused on a particular goal or action, often with strong will
- •The team was bent on success during the championship.
- •He seemed bent on proving everyone wrong.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "bent on" like "want" (A1 word), but much stronger and more serious—like your mind is fixed on one thing only.
- ✓Picture a person bending a metal rod until it stays in the shape they want—this shows how their will is fixed and firm.
- ✓It's the feeling when you decide to finish a difficult task no matter what happens.
- ✓Sounds like "bent on" → imagine someone bending (bent) a plan or path to go straight "on" to their goal.
- ✓Think of a character in a movie who is "bent on revenge" — they focus only on that goal.
- ✓NOT like "maybe" or "try" (which are uncertain), "bent on" means very sure and focused.
- ✓NOT like "interested" (which is mild), "bent on" shows a strong, active decision.
- ✓NOT like "accidentally" or "random" — "bent on" is purposeful and planned.
Try Other Words
- •Determined: decided to do something and not give up (Use when you want a simpler or more common word)
- •Set on: fixed or decided to do something (Use in similar contexts, often informal)
- •Intent on: having a strong purpose or aim (Use when emphasizing strong focus or attention)
Unboxing
- •Phrase parts: "bent" (past tense of bend, meaning to curve or fix in shape) + "on" (preposition showing focus or direction)
- •Etymology: "Bent" comes from Old English "bendan," meaning to curve or turn; combined with "on" to show direction toward a goal
- •Historical development: Used figuratively since at least the 16th century to mean fixed or determined toward something
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe strong determination or focus on a goal or action
Reflect & Connect
•Can being "bent on" something be both good and bad? When might strong determination cause problems?
•How do you decide when to be "bent on" a goal or when to stay flexible and change plans?
Fill in the blanks
1.She was bent on ___ the exam, so she studied every night without rest.
2.They were bent on ___ the truth, no matter what others said.
3.Being bent on something means you are very ___ and focused on your goal.
4.Unlike someone who is unsure, a person bent on success will not ___ easily.
5.When he was bent on leaving, no one could ___ him to stay.
6.The phrase bent on often shows a strong ___ or decision.
7.If you are bent on doing something, you usually ___ a clear plan or reason.