pliant
UK: ˈplaɪənt | US: ˈplaɪənt
adj. easily bent or shaped; flexible
adj. easily influenced or persuaded; adaptable
pliant = pli<bend> + ant<adjective suffix>
- pli (from Old French plier, Latin plicare, meaning "to bend/fold")
- ant (a suffix forming adjectives, indicating "having the quality of")
Etymology Origin:
The word "pliant" traces back to Latin plicare (to fold/bend), which also gave rise to words like "ply," "comply," and "pliable." The Old French plier (to bend) evolved into Middle English as plien, later forming "pliant" by adding the suffix -ant to denote "having the quality of bending." This reflects both physical flexibility (e.g., pliant material) and metaphorical adaptability (e.g., a pliant mind).
The willow branches are pliant and sway gracefully in the wind.
She has a pliant personality, always open to new ideas.
The leather becomes pliant when treated with oil.
His pliant nature made him popular among negotiators.
Young bamboo is remarkably pliant before it hardens with age.