pliable

Pliable is an adjective used to describe something that can be bent, shaped, or molded without breaking. It is commonly applied to physical materials such as metal, plastic, or dough, but it is also used metaphorically to describe people, ideas, or plans that are easily adapted or changed.

Etymology: Pliable comes from the Latin pliabilis, from plicare, meaning to fold. It entered English via Old French, with usage dating back several centuries.

Usage notes: While pliable and pliant are often used interchangeably, pliable tends to emphasize physical malleability or general adaptability of objects and plans, whereas pliant more often connotes a person who yields easily or a subservient disposition. Examples include a pliable metal that can be bent without breaking, a pliable schedule that can accommodate changes, and a pliant follower in a political context.

Related terms and contrasts: Flexible, malleable, and bendable are close in meaning, with subtle distinctions. Pliable emphasizes ease of shaping and adaptability, while pliant more strongly implies a tendency to yield to others.