Dictionary
pliant
adjective pli·ant \ˈplī-ənt\
: able to bend without breaking
: able to move freely
: too easily influenced or controlled by other people
Full Definition of PLIANT
1
: pliable 1a
2
: easily influenced : yielding
3
: suitable for varied uses
— pli·ant·ly adverb
— pli·ant·ness noun
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First Known Use of PLIANT
14th century
Related to PLIANT
Synonym Discussion of PLIANT
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>.
PLIANTLY Defined for Kids
pliant
adjective pli·ant \ˈplī-ənt\
Definition of PLIANT for Kids
: pliable
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