Bend vs. Bow — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Bend" refers to a curve or angle formed by changing the straight form of an object, while "bow" implies bending at the waist as a gesture of respect or submission.
Difference Between Bend and Bow
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Bend" is a general term used to describe the action of curving something from its original straight shape, applicable to various physical contexts like bending a wire or a road that bends around a hill. In contrast, "bow" specifically refers to the act of lowering the head or upper body as a sign of respect, greeting, or submission.
When bending an object, the focus is on altering its shape or angle, often requiring physical force or inherent flexibility, such as bending a knee or a flexible tube. On the other hand, bowing is a deliberate human action, often culturally driven, symbolizing deference or acknowledgment in social situations.
The term "bend" can be used both as a noun and a verb, describing both the action and the resultant shape, for instance, a bend in a river. Meanwhile, "bow" as a verb describes the action, and as a noun, it can also refer to objects that share a curved shape, like a bow of a ship or a bow used in archery.
In practical applications, bending is a key concept in physics and engineering, affecting material properties and structural integrity. Conversely, bowing plays a significant role in social etiquette and cultural rituals, reflecting historical and regional practices.
While bending generally involves physical objects and materials, bowing is inherently a human, often social act, involving body language and often conveying meanings beyond the physical action, such as humility or gratitude.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
To change from a straight form to a curve or angle
To lower the head or upper body as a sign of respect or submission
Usage
Both noun and verb; describes physical shapes and actions
Verb for the action; noun for curved objects and the gesture itself
Contexts
Physical objects, roads, body parts
Social interactions, cultural rituals
Symbolism
Physical manipulation and alteration
Respect, submission, greeting
Common Applications
Engineering, everyday physical tasks
Social etiquette, formal occasions
Compare with Definitions
Bend
To shape something into a curve.
She had to bend the wire to fit it through the hole.
Bow
To lower the head or body as a sign of respect.
The audience bowed as the queen entered.
Bend
To incline the body as a form of exercise or maneuver.
Bend at your knees to lift the box safely.
Bow
A looped knot made of ribbon or string.
She tied a bow on the gift box.
Bend
To force something from its original direction.
The wind bent the antenna on the roof.
Bow
To bend for performing, as in taking a bow in theatre.
The actors bowed at the end of the play.
Bend
To cause to assume a curved or angular shape
Bend a piece of iron into a horseshoe.
Bow
A knot tied with two loops and two loose ends, used especially for tying shoelaces and decorative ribbons
A girl with long hair tied back in a bow
Bend
To bring (a bow, for example) into a state of tension by drawing on a string or line.
Bow
A weapon for shooting arrows, typically made of a curved piece of wood joined at both ends by a taut string.
Bend
To force to assume a different direction or shape, according to one's own purpose
“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events” (Robert F. Kennedy).
Bow
A long, partially curved rod with horsehair stretched along its length, used for playing the violin and other stringed instruments.
Bend
To misrepresent; distort
Bend the truth.
Bow
A curved stroke forming part of a letter (e.g. b, p).
Bend
To relax or make an exception to
Bend a rule to allow more members into the club.
Bow
A metal ring forming the handle of a key or pair of scissors.
Bend
To cause to swerve from a straight line; deflect
Light is bent as it passes through water.
Bow
An act of bending the head or upper body as a sign of respect or greeting
The man gave a little bow
Bend
To render submissive; subdue
“[His] words so often bewitched crowds and bent them to his will” (W. Bruce Lincoln).
Bow
The front end of a ship
Water sprayed high over her bows
Bend
To apply (the mind) closely
“The weary naval officer goes to bed at night having bent his brain all day to a scheme of victory” (Jack Beatty).
Bow
Play (a stringed instrument or music) using a bow
The techniques by which the pieces were bowed
Bend
(Nautical) To fasten
Bend a mainsail onto the boom.
Bow
Bend the head or upper part of the body as a sign of respect, greeting, or shame
He turned and bowed to his father
She knelt and bowed her head
Councillors stood with heads bowed
Bend
To deviate from a straight line or position
The lane bends to the right at the bridge.
Bow
Bend with age or under pressure
The creepers were bowed down with flowers
The roof trusses bowed as the wind fought to rip the roof free
Bend
To assume a curved, crooked, or angular form or direction
The saplings bent in the wind.
Bow
(of a new film or product) be premiered or launched
The trailer bowed in theaters nationwide on December 23
The Pentium III bowed in early 1999
Bend
To incline the body; stoop.
Bow
The front section of a ship or boat.
Bend
To make a concession; yield.
Bow
Either of the sides of this front section
The starboard bow.
Bend
To apply oneself closely; concentrate
She bent to her task.
Bow
The oar or the person wielding the oar closest to the bow in a racing shell.
Bend
The act or fact of bending.
Bow
An inclination of the head or body, as in greeting, consent, courtesy, acknowledgment, submission, or veneration.
Bend
The state of being bent.
Bow
A bent, curved, or arched object.
Bend
Something bent
A bend in the road.
Bow
A weapon consisting of a curved, flexible strip of material, especially wood, strung taut from end to end and used to launch arrows.
Bend
A knot that joins a rope to a rope or another object.
Bow
An archer.
Bend
Bends The thick planks in a ship's side; wales.
Bow
Archers considered as a group.
Bend
Bends (used with a sing. or pl. verb) Decompression sickness. Used with the.
Bow
(Music) A rod having horsehair drawn tightly between its two raised ends, used in playing instruments of the violin and viol families.
Bend
A band passing from the upper dexter corner of an escutcheon to the lower sinister corner.
Bow
A stroke made by this rod.
Bend
(transitive) To cause (something) to change its shape into a curve, by physical force, chemical action, or any other means.
If you bend the pipe too far, it will break.
Don’t bend your knees.
Bow
A knot usually having two loops and two ends; a bowknot.
Bend
(intransitive) To become curved.
Look at the trees bending in the wind.
Bow
A frame for the lenses of a pair of eyeglasses.
Bend
(transitive) To cause to change direction.
Bow
The part of such a frame passing over the ear.
Bend
(intransitive) To change direction.
The road bends to the right.
Bow
A rainbow.
Bend
(intransitive) To be inclined; to direct itself.
Bow
An oxbow.
Bend
To stoop.
He bent down to pick up the pieces.
Bow
To bend or curve downward; stoop.
Bend
(intransitive) To bow in prayer, or in token of submission.
Bow
To incline the body or head or bend the knee in greeting, consent, courtesy, acknowledgment, submission, or veneration.
Bend
(transitive) To force to submit.
They bent me to their will.
Bow
To yield in defeat or out of courtesy; submit.
Bend
(intransitive) To submit.
I am bending to my desire to eat junk food.
Bow
To bend (the head, knee, or body) to express greeting, consent, courtesy, acknowledgment, submission, or veneration.
Bend
(transitive) To apply to a task or purpose.
He bent the company's resources to gaining market share.
Bow
To convey (greeting, for example) by bending the body.
Bend
(intransitive) To apply oneself to a task or purpose.
He bent to the goal of gaining market share.
Bow
To escort deferentially
Bowed us into the restaurant.
Bend
(transitive) To adapt or interpret to for a purpose or beneficiary.
Bow
To cause to acquiesce; submit.
Bend
To tie, as in securing a line to a cleat; to shackle a chain to an anchor; make fast.
Bend the sail to the yard.
Bow
To overburden
Grief bowed them down.
Bend
To smoothly change the pitch of a note.
You should bend the G slightly sharp in the next measure.
Bow
To bend (something) into the shape of a bow.
Bend
To swing the body when rowing.
Bow
(Music) To play (a stringed instrument) with a bow.
Bend
A curve.
There's a sharp bend in the road ahead.
Bow
To bend into a curve or bow.
Bend
Any of the various knots which join the ends of two lines.
Bow
(Music) To play a stringed instrument with a bow.
Bend
A severe condition caused by excessively quick decompression, causing bubbles of nitrogen to form in the blood; decompression sickness.
A diver who stays deep for too long must ascend very slowly in order to prevent the bends.
Bow
A weapon made of a curved piece of wood or other flexible material whose ends are connected by a string, used for shooting arrows.
Bend
(heraldry) One of the honourable ordinaries formed by two diagonal lines drawn from the dexter chief to the sinister base; it generally occupies a fifth part of the shield if uncharged, but if charged one third.
Bow
A curved bend in a rod or planar surface, or in a linear formation such as a river (see oxbow).
Bend
(obsolete) Turn; purpose; inclination; ends.
Bow
A rod with horsehair (or an artificial substitute) stretched between the ends, used for playing various stringed musical instruments.
Bend
In the leather trade, the best quality of sole leather; a butt; sometimes, half a butt cut lengthwise.
Bow
A stringed instrument (chordophone), consisting of a stick with a single taut cord stretched between the ends, most often played by plucking.
Bend
(mining) Hard, indurated clay; bind.
Bow
A type of knot with two loops, used to tie together two cords such as shoelaces or apron strings, and frequently used as decoration, such as in gift-wrapping.
Bend
The thickest and strongest planks in a ship's sides, more generally called wales, which have the beams, knees, and futtocks bolted to them.
Bow
Anything bent or curved, such as a rainbow.
Bend
The frames or ribs that form the ship's body from the keel to the top of the sides.
The midship bends
Bow
The U-shaped piece which goes around the neck of an ox and fastens it to the yoke.
Bend
(music) A glissando, or glide between one pitch and another.
Bow
Either of the arms of a pair of spectacles, running from the side of the lens to behind the wearer's ear.
Bend
To strain or move out of a straight line; to crook by straining; to make crooked; to curve; to make ready for use by drawing into a curve; as, to bend a bow; to bend the knee.
Bow
Any instrument consisting of an elastic rod, with ends connected by a string, employed for giving reciprocating motion to a drill, or for preparing and arranging hair, fur, etc., used by hatters.
Bend
To turn toward some certain point; to direct; to incline.
Towards Coventry bend we our course.
Bending her eyes . . . upon her parent.
Bow
(nautical) A crude sort of quadrant formerly used for taking the sun's altitude at sea.
Bend
To apply closely or with interest; to direct.
To bend his mind to any public business.
But when to mischief mortals bend their will.
Bow
(saddlery) Two pieces of wood which form the arched forward part of a saddletree.
Bend
To cause to yield; to render submissive; to subdue.
Bow
The part of a key that is not inserted into the lock and that is used to turn the key.
Bend
To fasten, as one rope to another, or as a sail to its yard or stay; or as a cable to the ring of an anchor.
Bow
A gesture, usually showing respect, made by inclining the head or bending forward at the waist; a reverence
He made a polite bow as he entered the room.
Bend
To be moved or strained out of a straight line; to crook or be curving; to bow.
The green earth's endWhere the bowed welkin slow doth bend.
Bow
(nautical) The front of a boat or ship.
Bend
To jut over; to overhang.
There is a cliff, whose high and bending headLooks fearfully in the confined deep.
Bow
(rowing) The rower that sits in the seat closest to the bow of the boat.
Bend
To be inclined; to be directed.
To whom our vows and wished bend.
Bow
Obsolete spelling of bough
Bend
To bow in prayer, or in token of submission.
While each to his great Father bends.
Bow
C|en|Foods}} {{alternative form of bao; any of several Chinese buns and breads
Bend
A turn or deflection from a straight line or from the proper direction or normal position; a curve; a crook; as, a slight bend of the body; a bend in a road.
Bow
To play music on (a stringed) instrument using a bow.
The musician bowed his violin expertly.
Bend
Turn; purpose; inclination; ends.
Farewell, poor swain; thou art not for my bend.
Bow
(intransitive) To become bent or curved.
The shelf bowed under the weight of the books.
Bend
A knot by which one rope is fastened to another or to an anchor, spar, or post.
Bow
(transitive) To make something bend or curve.
Bend
The best quality of sole leather; a butt. See Butt.
Bow
To exercise powerful or controlling influence over; to bend, figuratively; to turn; to incline.
Bend
Hard, indurated clay; bind.
Bow
(intransitive) To bend oneself as a gesture of respect or deference.
That singer always bows towards her audience for some reason.
Bend
Same as caisson disease. Usually referred to as the bends.
Bow
To debut.
Bend
A band.
Bow
(intransitive) To defer (to something).
I bow to your better judgement in the matter.
Bend
One of the honorable ordinaries, containing a third or a fifth part of the field. It crosses the field diagonally from the dexter chief to the sinister base.
Bow
(transitive) To give a direction, indication, or command to by bowing.
Bend
A circular segment of a curve;
A bend in the road
A crook in the path
Bow
To cause to deviate from straightness; to bend; to inflect; to make crooked or curved.
We bow things the contrary way, to make them come to their natural straightness.
The whole nation bowed their necks to the worst kind of tyranny.
Bend
Movement that causes the formation of a curve
Bow
To exercise powerful or controlling influence over; to bend, figuratively; to turn; to incline.
Adversities do more bow men's minds to religion.
Not to bow and bias their opinions.
Bend
Curved segment (of a road or river or railroad track etc.)
Bow
To bend or incline, as the head or body, in token of respect, gratitude, assent, homage, or condescension.
They came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.
Bend
An angular or rounded shape made by folding;
A fold in the napkin
A crease in his trousers
A plication on her blouse
A flexure of the colon
A bend of his elbow
Bow
To cause to bend down; to prostrate; to depress,; to crush; to subdue.
Whose heavy hand hath bowed you to the grave.
Bend
A town in central Oregon at the eastern foot of the Cascade Range
Bow
To express by bowing; as, to bow one's thanks.
Bend
Diagonal line traversing a shield from the upper right corner to the lower left
Bow
To bend; to curve.
Bend
Form a curve;
The stick does not bend
Bow
To stop.
They stoop, they bow down together.
Bend
Change direction;
The road bends
Bow
To bend the head, knee, or body, in token of reverence or submission; - often with down.
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
Bend
Cause (a plastic object) to assume a crooked or angular form;
Bend the rod
Twist the dough into a braid
The strong man could turn an iron bar
Bow
To incline the head in token of salutation, civility, or assent; to make bow.
Admired, adored by all circling crowd,For wheresoe'er she turned her face, they bowed.
Bend
Bend one's back forward from the waist on down;
He crouched down
She bowed before the Queen
The young man stooped to pick up the girl's purse
Bow
To play (music) with a bow.
Bend
Turn from a straight course , fixed direction, or line of interest
Bow
An inclination of the head, or a bending of the body, in token of reverence, respect, civility, or submission; an obeisance; as, a bow of deep humility.
Bend
Bend a joint;
Flex your wrists
Bend your knees
Bow
Anything bent, or in the form of a curve, as the rainbow.
I do set my bow in the cloud.
Bend
A curve in something, especially roads or rivers.
There’s a sharp bend in the road ahead.
Bow
A weapon made of a strip of wood, or other elastic material, with a cord connecting the two ends, by means of which an arrow is propelled.
Bend
To deviate from straightness.
The tree bent under the weight of the snow.
Bow
An ornamental knot, with projecting loops, formed by doubling a ribbon or string.
Bow
The U-shaped piece which embraces the neck of an ox and fastens it to the yoke.
Bow
An appliance consisting of an elastic rod, with a number of horse hairs stretched from end to end of it, used in playing on a stringed instrument.
Bow
An arcograph.
Bow
Any instrument consisting of an elastic rod, with ends connected by a string, employed for giving reciprocating motion to a drill, or for preparing and arranging the hair, fur, etc., used by hatters.
Bow
A rude sort of quadrant formerly used for taking the sun's altitude at sea.
Bow
Two pieces of wood which form the arched forward part of a saddletree.
Bow
The bending or rounded part of a ship forward; the stream or prow.
Bow
One who rows in the forward part of a boat; the bow oar.
Bow
A knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
Bow
A slightly curved piece of resilient wood with taut horsehair strands, used in playing certain stringed instrument
Bow
Front part of a vessel or aircraft;
He pointed the bow of the boat toward the finish line
Bow
Curved piece of resilient wood with taut cord to propel arrows
Bow
Something curved in shape
Bow
Bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame
Bow
An appearance by actors or performers at the end of the concert or play in order to acknowledge the applause of the audience
Bow
A decorative interlacing of ribbons
Bow
A stroke with a curved piece of wood with taut horsehair strands that is used in playing stringed instruments
Bow
Bend one's knee or body, or lower one's head;
He bowed before the King
She bowed her head in shame
Bow
Submit or yield to another's wish or opinion;
The government bowed to the military pressure
Bow
Bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting;
He bowed before the King
Bow
Bend one's back forward from the waist on down;
He crouched down
She bowed before the Queen
The young man stooped to pick up the girl's purse
Bow
Play on a string instrument
Bow
A curved piece of wood with a string, used in archery.
He drew the bow and aimed at the target.
Bow
The front part of a ship.
The bow of the ship was decorated with colorful flags.
Common Curiosities
What is a bow used for in music?
In music, a bow is a tool used to play string instruments like the violin, consisting of a stick with hair stretched between its ends.
How does bowing vary across cultures?
Bowing can vary significantly, with different depths of bows and meanings in Asian cultures compared to Western practices, where it might be less common or formal.
Can bending be applied to abstract concepts?
Yes, bending can metaphorically apply to abstracts like rules or ideas, implying a degree of modification or flexibility.
What are some common items that bend?
Common bendable items include hoses, wires, flexible tubing, and certain types of sporting equipment like fishing rods.
What does it mean to take a bow in performance arts?
To take a bow in performance arts means to lower one's head or upper body briefly towards the audience as a sign of gratitude or to acknowledge applause.
What does it mean to bend a rule?
Bending a rule means to apply it in a way that is not typical, allowing for exceptions or flexibility.
Are there health benefits to bending exercises?
Yes, bending exercises can improve flexibility, reduce back pain, and enhance joint health through increased range of motion.
Can bending affect the strength of a material?
Bending can affect a material’s strength, potentially causing fatigue or failure if repeatedly bent or bent beyond its capacity.
Is there a difference between bending and breaking?
Yes, bending alters shape without causing a break, maintaining the integrity of the material, whereas breaking involves separation into parts.
Why do people bow in martial arts?
In martial arts, bowing is a sign of respect, discipline, and acknowledgment of one's opponent and the traditions of the art.
What does "bow out" mean?
"Bow out" means to withdraw or retire from an activity, usually in a respectful or unobtrusive manner.
What skills are required to use a bow in archery?
Skills required include precision, control, physical strength, and concentration to effectively aim and shoot arrows.
How is bowing interpreted in diplomatic contexts?
In diplomatic contexts, bowing is often interpreted as a gesture of respect and adherence to local customs, important for international relations.
What are some professional fields where bending is crucial?
Fields like mechanical engineering, architecture, and physical therapy often deal with principles of bending in different contexts.
What types of bows are used in gift wrapping?
Types of bows in gift wrapping include simple bows, floral bows, and pom-pom bows, each adding a decorative touch to the presentation.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Cartoonist vs. Animator
Next Comparison
Bookcase vs. BookshelfAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
