Which root means to 'bend'?

The root that means to 'bend' is flect or flex. This root is derived from Latin, where "flectere" means to bend or curve. In English, it appears in various words such as "reflect," which means to bend back light or thoughts, and "flexible," which describes something that can bend easily without breaking.

Understanding this root helps in deciphering meanings of words that involve bending or curving, both in a physical and metaphorical sense. For example, the word "deflect" means to bend or turn aside from a straight course or direction. Knowing this root can enhance vocabulary comprehension and increase the ability to understand and interpret complex terminology in various subjects, particularly in scientific and academic contexts.

The other roots provided do not pertain to bending. Options that deal with sending or throwing, such as ject, or with sending away, like miss or mit, focus on movement rather than curvature. Therefore, flect and flex distinctly convey the concept of bending.