Slight bending
/slaɪt ˈbɛndɪŋ/
A2
Definition
Slight bending describes when an object or surface changes its shape by curving or folding a little bit. It is not a strong or big bend, just a small, gentle one. This can happen to things like a piece of paper, metal, or a branch.
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See It in Action
A small curve or change in shape of an object
- •The slight bending of the metal rod showed it had been under pressure.
- •You can see slight bending in the leaves when the wind blows.
- •The slight bending of the paper made it easier to fold.
A gentle movement or change in position
- •The gymnast showed slight bending in her knees before jumping.
- •Slight bending of the branches helped the tree survive the storm.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "slight bending" like "bend," but very small and soft, not strong or sharp
- ✓Picture a thin twig that bends a little when the wind blows, but does not break
- ✓It feels like when you slowly curve a plastic ruler just a tiny bit with your hands
- ✓Sounds like "slight" (small) + "bending" (to curve) → imagine a soft wave in a straight line
- ✓Imagine a road that is almost straight but has a small curve, just enough to notice
- ✓NOT like "breaking" (which means something snaps or cracks), slight bending keeps the object whole
- ✓NOT like "folding" (which often makes a sharp crease), slight bending is smooth and gentle
- ✓NOT like "twisting" (which turns around), slight bending only curves in one direction
Try Other Words
- •Curve: a smooth, rounded bend (use when talking about visible or clear bends)
- •Flex: to bend something slightly (use when talking about bending with movement or action)
- •Arc: a part of a circle or curved line (use when the bending is more rounded and clear)
Unboxing
- •"slight": an adjective meaning small in amount or degree
- •"bending": noun form of the verb "bend," meaning the action or result of curving something
- •Origin: "slight" comes from Old English meaning small or thin; "bend" comes from Old English "bendan" meaning to curve or turn
- •The phrase combines an adjective and a noun to describe a small action or shape change
- •Used in everyday language to describe small curves in objects or movements
Reflect & Connect
•When do you notice slight bending in everyday objects around you? How does it affect their use?
•Can slight bending be important for safety or strength? How does it help or hurt things?
Fill in the blanks
1.The slight bending of the metal rod happened because it was ___ too much weight.
2.When the wind blows, you can see slight bending ___ the tree branches.
3.Unlike sharp folding, slight bending is ___ and does not break the paper.
4.The gymnast showed slight bending ___ her knees before the jump.
5.Slight bending usually means the object is still ___ and not broken.
6.When you apply pressure slowly, you might cause slight bending ___ sudden breaking.
7.The road has slight bending ___ to avoid the hill ahead.