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

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>.

Rhymes with PLIANT

PLIANTNESS Defined for Kids

pliant

adjective pli·ant \ˈplī-ənt\

Definition of PLIANT for Kids

:  pliable

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