supple

2 entries found for supple.
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supple[1,adjective] supple[2,verb]

Main Entry: ¹sup·ple
Pronunciation: 's&-p&l also 'sü-
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): sup·pler /-p(&-)l&r/; sup·plest /-p(&-)l&st/
Etymology: Middle English souple, from Anglo-French suple, from Latin supplic-, supplex entreating for mercy, supplicant, perhaps from sub- + -plic- (akin to plicare to fold) -- more at PLY
1 a : compliant often to the point of obsequiousness b : readily adaptable or responsive to new situations
2 a : capable of being bent or folded without creases, cracks, or breaks : PLIANT <supple leather> b : able to perform bending or twisting movements with ease : LIMBER <supple legs of a dancer> c : easy and fluent without stiffness or awkwardness <sang with a lively, supple voice -- Douglas Watt>
synonym see ELASTIC
- sup·ple·ly /-p&(l)-lE/ or sup·ply /-p(&-)lE/ adverb
- sup·ple·ness /-p&l-n&s/ noun