pliable

Everyday

1. Easily bent without breaking; flexible. tree →
2. (about people) Easily persuaded or controlled by others. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on materials: pliable materials include clay, wire, rubber and willow; brittle ones like glass break instead. In stories and safety talks, a pliable person might be easily talked into doing something wrong.

Examples

• Willow twigs are pliable, so we can weave baskets. tree →
• Warm the clay in your hands to make it more pliable. tree →
• Copper wire is pliable and easy to bend. tree →
• The leather became pliable after oiling. tree →
• The bully picked a pliable boy to do his dirty work. tree →
• Pliable plastic is used for lunchboxes. tree →

Note

Adjective. Similar: flexible, bendy, supple. Opposite: rigid, stiff, brittle. Spelling: -able. Related: pliant.