Pliancy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pliancy

[ˈplaɪənsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in psychology

The quality of being easily bent, flexible, or adaptable.

Synonyms

adaptability, flexibility, malleability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pliancy	Best used in the context of someone or something easily influenced or yielding to the will of others. Often has a negative connotation. Her pliancy made it easy for her coworkers to persuade her to take on extra tasks.
flexibility	Refers to the quality of bending easily without breaking or the willingness to change plans or opinions. Generally positive. Flexibility in the workplace can lead to greater job satisfaction.
adaptability	Used to describe the ability to adjust to new conditions or changes. Typically has a positive connotation. His adaptability helped him succeed in various job roles.
malleability	Often used in a physical sense to describe materials that can be easily shaped or in a metaphorical sense for people who are easily influenced or adaptable. The connotation varies based on usage. Gold's malleability allows it to be crafted into intricate jewelry. His malleability made him a prime candidate for training.

Examples of usage

Her pliancy in adapting to new situations impressed her colleagues.
The pliancy of the material made it ideal for creating intricate designs.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

The quality of being easily influenced or persuaded.

Synonyms

compliance, docility, submissiveness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pliancy	Pliancy refers to someone or something that is easily shaped or influenced. It is usually used when talking about flexibility in both physical objects and people's attitudes. Her pliancy allowed her to adapt to new situations with ease The metal showed remarkable pliancy under heat
compliance	Compliance is often used in legal and corporate settings to refer to the act of following rules or standards. It implies a formal agreement with established guidelines. The company's compliance with the new regulations was strictly monitored He showed full compliance with the office policies
submissiveness	Submissiveness refers to a willingness to obey others, often without question. It generally has a negative connotation, implying a lack of independence or self-respect. His submissiveness made him vulnerable to manipulation She displayed submissiveness in the presence of her domineering boss
docility	Docility is used to describe a person or animal that is easily managed or controlled. It often carries a positive connotation but can imply a lack of assertiveness. The dog's docility made it a perfect pet for children Her docility made her well-liked among her colleagues

Examples of usage

She was known for her pliancy in agreeing to others' requests.
His pliancy in changing his opinions based on others' views was concerning.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

In materials science, pliancy refers to the flexibility of materials under stress, important for the design of everything from buildings to everyday products.
The state of pliancy can be observed in biology; for instance, plant stems exhibit pliancy to adapt to wind, helping them survive strong storms.

Psychology

A pliant mindset can be beneficial for emotional resilience, as it allows individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and environments.
Research suggests that people who exhibit higher pliancy in their thought processes often handle stress better and are more successful problem-solvers.

Culture

In literature, characters often demonstrate psychological pliancy through growth or change, making them relatable and realistic.
The concept of pliancy is celebrated in various art forms, emphasizing the beauty of adaptability and transformation.

Education

Teaching methods that promote pliancy encourage students to think creatively and adapt their approaches to problem-solving.
In sports and physical education, pliancy is valued for its role in enhancing performance, where flexibility often leads to improved agility.

Origin of 'pliancy'

Main points about word origin

Derived from the Latin word 'plicare', which means 'to fold'.
The word has been in use in the English language since the 16th century, originally describing something that can be easily manipulated.

The word 'pliancy' originated from the Latin word 'pliābilis', meaning easily bent or flexible. Over time, it evolved to encompass not just physical flexibility, but also mental adaptability and compliance. The concept of pliancy has been explored in various fields, including psychology, philosophy, and leadership studies, highlighting the importance of being open to change and being able to adapt to different situations.