Pliable: meaning, definitions and examples

🔀

Add to dictionary

pliable

[ˈplaɪəbəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

material

Easily bent, flexible, or adaptable.

Synonyms

adaptable, flexible, malleable, pliant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pliable	Use 'pliable' to describe something that is easily bent or shaped, both literally and metaphorically. It is often neutral or positive. This material is quite pliable, making it perfect for crafting. She has a pliable personality and gets along well with different kinds of people.
flexible	Use 'flexible' to describe something that can bend easily without breaking, or someone who is willing to change or compromise. It can be used both physically and metaphorically. The flexible plastic makes it easy to transport. She is very flexible with her schedule.
malleable	Use 'malleable' when talking about metals that can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets, or metaphorically for people or ideas that can be easily influenced or shaped. It sometimes carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation when referring to people. Gold is a very malleable metal, perfect for making jewelry. Young minds are highly malleable and can be shaped by their experiences.
pliant	Use 'pliant' similarly to 'pliable', often indicating physical flexibility but can also mean easily influenced or controlled. It tends to have a slightly negative connotation when referring to people. The pliant branches of the willow tree swayed in the wind. He was too pliant and easily influenced by others.
adaptable	Use 'adaptable' when talking about someone's ability to adjust to new conditions or environments. It has a positive connotation. The team is very adaptable, which helps them succeed in different markets. He is adaptable and can handle any changes that come his way.

Examples of usage

The wire is pliable enough to be twisted into any shape.
She showed a pliable attitude towards the new project requirements.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

personality

Easily influenced or controlled by others.

Synonyms

compliant, docile, obedient, submissive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pliable	Best used to describe materials or objects that can be easily bent or shaped, as well as individuals who are flexible in their opinions or actions. This metal is pliable and can be molded into various shapes. She is pliable when it comes to negotiating terms.
compliant	Used when referring to someone who follows rules, regulations, or requests without refusal or resistance. The employee was compliant with the company's safety policies. The child was very compliant with his parents' instructions.
submissive	Typically has a negative connotation and describes someone who tends to yield to the authority or control of others, often excessively so. She was so submissive that she never voiced her own opinions. His submissive attitude made him an easy target for exploitation.
docile	Describes someone who is gentle, easy to manage, and willing to be taught or led. Often related to animals or people in a more positive sense. The docile dog was easy to train. Her docile nature made her a preferred student.
obedient	Used for someone who follows commands or directives from authority figures without question. The obedient soldier followed all orders given by his superior. An obedient child always listens to his parents.

Examples of usage

He had a pliable nature and often went along with whatever others suggested.
The cult leader preyed on the pliable minds of his followers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'pliable' comes from the Latin word 'plicare', which means 'to fold'.
It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century.
The Old French word 'pliable' also influenced its usage, meaning 'able to be bent'.

Science

Many materials, like plastic and rubber, are considered pliable because they can be reshaped when heated.
In biology, certain tissues in the human body, such as cartilage, are pliable, allowing for flexibility and movement.
Pliability is an important property in engineering materials, affecting how structures respond to forces.

Psychology

Being pliable can refer to a person's ability to adapt to new situations, which is crucial for healthy relationships.
The concept of mental pliability relates to 'cognitive flexibility', which helps individuals solve problems and cope with change.
Children who are encouraged to be pliable in their thinking often develop better creativity and resilience.

Literature

In poetry, pliable themes often relate to change and transformation, depicting characters that adapt to their surroundings.
Authors might describe a pliable character to illustrate how easily they can be influenced by others, enhancing tension in narrative.
The use of pliable imagery in literature can convey deep emotional connections, representing fluidity in relationships.

Pop Culture

In animated movies, characters depicted as pliable may showcase exaggerated flexibility, leading to humorous scenarios.
Crafting DIY projects often involves using pliable materials to create artistic and functional pieces.
In fashion, 'pliable' materials are frequently used in clothing design, allowing garments to flow and move with the body.

Translations

Translations of the word "pliable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 flexível

🇮🇳 लचीला (lachila)

🇩🇪 biegsam

🇮🇩 lentur

🇺🇦 гнучкий

🇵🇱 giętki

🇯🇵 柔軟な (jūnanna)

🇫🇷 souple

🇪🇸 flexible

🇹🇷 esnek

🇰🇷 유연한 (yuyonhan)

🇸🇦 مرن (marin)

🇨🇿 pružný

🇸🇰 pružný

🇨🇳 柔韧的 (róurèn de)

🇸🇮 prožen

🇮🇸 sveigjanlegur

🇰🇿 икемді

🇬🇪 მოქნილი (moqnili)

🇦🇿 elastik

🇲🇽 flexible

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,441, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
20438 wishful
20439 hedged
20440 linguistically
20441 pliable
20442 halibut
20443 tarnished
20444 decoder
...