pliable

Definitions

pli (a worn-down form of plic, "fold/bend") + -able = "able to be folded." Literally describes material that bends easily; figuratively, a pliable person is one who "bends" to others' wishes. This is plic in its most physical, original sense — actual folding.

Common Collocations

• 1.pliable material柔韧的材料
• 2.pliable mind可塑的思维
• 3.soft and pliable柔软而有弹性
• 4.[pliable nature]顺从的性格

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Wet clay is soft and pliable.

• 2.

  Young minds are pliable and easily shaped.

Easily Confused

pliable vs flexible — both mean bendable, but flexible (from a different but related root, flex) is the everyday, mostly positive word (a flexible schedule). pliable is more physical for materials, and when applied to people it often hints at being too easily swayed. A leader you want flexible, not pliable.