First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
pliable
adjective pli·able \ˈplī-ə-bəl\
: able to bend, fold, or twist easily
: too easily influenced or controlled by other people
Full Definition of PLIABLE
1
a : supple enough to bend freely or repeatedly without breaking b : yielding readily to others : complaisant
2
: adjustable to varying conditions
— pli·abil·i·ty \ˌplī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— pli·able·ness \ˈplī-ə-bəl-nəs\ noun
— pli·ably \-blē\ adverb
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Origin of PLIABLE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from plier to bend, fold — more at ply
Related to PLIABLE
Synonym Discussion of PLIABLE
plastic, pliable, pliant, ductile, malleable, adaptable mean susceptible of being modified in form or nature. plastic applies to substances soft enough to be molded yet capable of hardening into the desired fixed form <plastic materials allow the sculptor greater freedom>. pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated <pliable rubber tubing>. pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness <an athletic shoe with a pliant sole>. ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease <ductile metals such as copper>. malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape <the malleable properties of gold>. adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses <computer hardware that is adaptable>.
PLIABILITY Defined for Kids
pliable
adjective pli·able \ˈplī-ə-bəl\
Definition of PLIABLE for Kids
1
: possible to bend without breaking
2
: easily influenced <a pliable teenager>
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