Supple: meaning, definitions and examples

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supple

[ˈsʌp(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

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. The dancer's movements were graceful and supple. She conditioned the leather until it was supple.
flexible	Used to describe something that can bend without breaking, applicable to both physical objects and abstract concepts like schedules or plans. The willow tree has flexible branches. Her work schedule is flexible.
limber	Typically used to describe a person's body that is capable of moving easily and gracefully, often through training or exercise. Gymnasts are incredibly limber. She did stretches every morning to stay limber.
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. The willow's branches are pliant. His pliant nature made him easily swayed by others.
lithe	Often used poetically or in a literary sense to describe graceful and agile physical movements, usually referring to a person's body. The lithe dancer moved across the stage. He admired her lithe figure.
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. The waistband of the pants is elastic. He has an elastic mind, quickly adapting to new ideas.

Examples of usage

Yoga helps to keep the body supple and strong.
The leather is supple and soft to the touch.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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. Her yoga practice made her body very supple. The leather of the glove was soft and supple.
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. Aluminum is a malleable metal often used in packaging. Children are more malleable and learn new languages faster.
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. The carpenter selected a pliable wood for the project. Her opinions are pliable, and she often changes her mind.
ductile	Specifically refers to the ability of a material (usually metal) to be stretched into a thin wire or altered in shape without breaking. Copper is a very ductile metal, making it ideal for electrical wiring. Gold is ductile and can be shaped into very thin sheets.
yielding	Describes something that gives way under pressure or force. Can be used to describe materials or people who are accommodating and easygoing. The dough was soft and yielding under her hands. He is a yielding person, always agreeable to others' suggestions.

Examples of usage

The supple branches swayed in the wind.
The dancer's supple movements captivated the audience.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "supple" in other languages:

🇵🇹 flexível

🇮🇳 लचीला

🇩🇪 geschmeidig

🇮🇩 lentur

🇺🇦 гнучкий

🇵🇱 elastyczny

🇯🇵 しなやか

🇫🇷 souple

🇪🇸 flexible

🇹🇷 esnek

🇰🇷 유연한

🇸🇦 مرن

🇨🇿 pružný

🇸🇰 pružný

🇨🇳 柔软的

🇸🇮 prožen

🇮🇸 sveigjanlegur

🇰🇿 икемді

🇬🇪 მოქნილი

🇦🇿 elastik

🇲🇽 flexible

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,217, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
18214 tallest
18215 brunt
18216 malarial
18217 supple
18218 revolting
18219 genitive
18220 crippling
...