flessibile

Flessibile is an Italian adjective meaning capable of bending or being bent, and, by extension, able to adapt, adjust, or be easily modified. It is used to describe physical properties of materials as well as abstract concepts such as plans, schedules, procedures, and policies. In everyday language, it frequently conveys the idea of versatility and openness to change.

Etymology and form. The term derives from the Latin flexibilis, formed with flecto “to bend.” In Italian, the form flessibile reflects regular phonological development from Latin, with the reflex of flex becoming fless. The related noun flessibilità means flexibility, and the adverbial phrase in modo flessibile translates to “in a flexible way.”

Usage and examples. Flessibile appears across many domains. Examples include un orario flessibile (a flexible schedule), una politica aziendale flessibile (a flexible corporate policy), and un materiale o tessuto flessibile (a flexible material or fabric). In technology and engineering, terms like architettura flessibile or design flessibile describe systems that can accommodate varying requirements. In the labor market, lavoro flessibile indicates work arrangements that can adapt to different circumstances.

Related terms. Common synonyms include adattabile, elastico, and malleabile, depending on context. The opposite is rigido. Related concepts include flessibilità and elasticità, which denote the capacity to adapt or return to an original state after deformation.

See also. flessibilità, adattabilità, elasticità.