Pliant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌀

Add to dictionary

pliant

[ˈplaɪənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

easily influenced or controlled by others; flexible; adaptable

Synonyms

adaptable, compliant, docile, flexible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pliant	Similar to pliant but more often used for physical attributes, like materials that can bend or be shaped easily. It can also refer to someone's willingness to be influenced. The pliant metal was ideal for making intricate jewelry.
compliant	Describes someone who follows rules, requests, or standards without resistance. Often used in formal or legal contexts, and can carry a negative connotation if it implies lack of independence or assertiveness. The company was compliant with all industry regulations. His compliant nature made him popular among the team leaders.
docile	Typically used for people or animals that are easily managed or controlled, often suggesting a passive or submissive nature. It carries a negative connotation when describing people, as it implies a lack of initiative. The docile dog was a perfect pet for the elderly couple. Her docile demeanor made her an easy target for manipulation.
flexible	Indicates the ability to bend without breaking, both physically and metaphorically. It's a positive term when referring to someone's ability to adapt to varying circumstances. She maintains a flexible schedule to accommodate her clients' needs. Gymnasts need to be incredibly flexible.
adaptable	Refers to someone or something that can adjust to new conditions or environments. This term is usually positive, indicating versatility and resilience. He is known for being highly adaptable in unpredictable situations. The software is adaptable to different user needs.

Examples of usage

She is a pliant employee, always willing to take on new tasks.
The pliant nature of the material allows for easy manipulation during the design process.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

botany

capable of bending or twining around something

Synonyms

bendable, flexible, twining.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pliant	This word is often used to describe someone who is easily influenced or controlled, but it can also refer to something that is easily bent or shaped. The young plant's stems were pliant in the wind She was a pliant student, always willing to adjust to the teacher's methods
flexible	This word can be used to describe both objects that can be bent and people or schedules that can easily adapt to changes. The gymnast's body is extremely flexible We need a flexible plan that can be adjusted if our initial assumptions are wrong
bendable	Use this word to describe an object that can be bent without breaking. It's typically used for physical, tangible items. This metal is highly bendable, making it perfect for crafting jewelry The bendable straw makes it easy to sip from any angle
twining	This word is most often used to describe plants or something that wraps around something else, such as ropes or wires. The twining vines covered the entire fence She noticed the twining cables behind the computer, creating a tangled mess

Examples of usage

The pliant stems of the vine wrapped themselves around the trellis.
The pliant tendrils of the plant reached out for support.

Translations

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

Origin of 'pliant'

The word 'pliant' comes from the Latin word 'plicare' meaning 'to fold' or 'to bend'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. Over time, 'pliant' has retained its core meaning of being easily influenced or flexible, while also expanding to describe physical attributes such as bending or twining.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,193, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24190 recreated
24191 amaze
24192 joyously
24193 pliant
24194 survivability
24195 mastectomy
24196 interventionist
...