Supple Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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supple
[ˈsʌp(ə)l ]
Definitions
flexible
Bending and moving easily and gracefully; flexible.
Synonyms
elastic, flexible, limber, lithe, pliant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| supple |
Best used to describe something that is easily bendable and moves smoothly, often referring to materials like leather or a person's body.
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| flexible |
Used to describe something that can bend without breaking, applicable to both physical objects and abstract concepts like schedules or plans.
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| limber |
Typically used to describe a person's body that is capable of moving easily and gracefully, often through training or exercise.
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| pliant |
Describes something that is easily bendable or moldable, both in a physical and metaphorical sense, sometimes carrying a slightly negative connotation when referring to a person as being too easily influenced.
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| lithe |
Often used poetically or in a literary sense to describe graceful and agile physical movements, usually referring to a person's body.
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| elastic |
Commonly used to describe something that can return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed, often referring to materials like fabric or rubber.
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Examples of usage
- Yoga helps to keep the body supple and strong.
- The leather is supple and soft to the touch.
malleable
Easily bent, folded, or twisted without breaking; malleable.
Synonyms
ductile, malleable, pliable, yielding.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| supple |
Used to describe something that is flexible, easily bendable, and graceful. Often used to describe physical characteristics such as a body or material.
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| malleable |
Describes materials that can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking. Can also be used metaphorically to describe people who are easily influenced.
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| pliable |
Refers to something that is easily bent or shaped without breaking. Can be used for both materials and abstract concepts like a person's will or opinion.
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| ductile |
Specifically refers to the ability of a material (usually metal) to be stretched into a thin wire or altered in shape without breaking.
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| yielding |
Describes something that gives way under pressure or force. Can be used to describe materials or people who are accommodating and easygoing.
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Examples of usage
- The supple branches swayed in the wind.
- The dancer's supple movements captivated the audience.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- Many animals, like cats and otters, display supple bodies that allow them to move gracefully and adapt to their environments.
- In humans, flexibility and suppleness are key for athletic performance, helping to prevent injuries and improve movement efficiency.
- The suppleness of certain materials, such as leather, can enhance their usability in products like clothing and furniture.
Art & Literature
- In ballet, dancers strive for supple movements to create fluid and graceful performances that captivate audiences.
- The notion of suppler language is often employed by poets to convey emotion and imagery with more depth and vividness.
- Artists utilize soft, supple brush strokes in painting to create gentle textures and transitions in their work.
Health & Wellness
- Yoga and stretching exercises are excellent ways to improve your body’s suppleness, leading to better overall health.
- A supple mind is often connected to creativity, as being mentally flexible allows for new ideas and perspectives.
- Proper hydration contributes to the suppleness of your skin, keeping it looking youthful and healthy.
Sports
- Athletes train to maintain supple muscles, which can enhance performance in sports like gymnastics, where flexibility is crucial.
- In martial arts, a supple body allows for quick movements and adaptations during sparring or combat.
- Coaches often emphasize the importance of stretching to ensure players can maintain suppleness throughout a game or season.
Origin of 'supple'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'supple' comes from the Latin 'supplex', which means 'bending or kneeling', showing its connection to flexibility.
- In Middle English, the word was 'soppe', which meant soft or pliable, conveying a sense of ease in movement.
- Over time, the meaning expanded to include softness in both physical and metaphorical senses, such as a supple demeanor.
The word 'supple' originated from the Latin word 'supplex', which means 'bending the knees in supplication'. Over time, it evolved to also mean 'flexible' or 'pliant'. The concept of being supple has been valued in various cultures for physical health and agility.