dent

Everyday

1. A small hollow made in a hard surface when something hits or presses it: «a dent in the car door». tree →
2. (verb) To make a dent in something. tree →
3. A reduction: «make a dent in» means reduce something a bit. tree →
4. (verb) To harm or weaken, such as someone's confidence or pride. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life cars, tins and bikes get dents. «Make a dent in your homework» means get some of it done. In stories a «dented pride» means a character feels hurt after losing. Phrases: «a dent in», «make a dent in», «put a dent in», «dent someone's confidence».

Examples

• The ball left a dent in the car door. tree →
• Don't buy the tin with the big dent. tree →
• He dented his bike when he fell off. tree →
• We've barely made a dent in this huge pizza. tree →
• Losing the match dented their confidence. tree →
• The savings made a big dent in the cost of the holiday. tree →
• There's a dent in my water bottle from when I dropped it. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Past «dented». Do not confuse with «dentist» or «dental» (about teeth); they come from a different root. In maths, «make a dent in 100 jobs» means do some, not all.