Dictionary
flexible
adjective flex·i·ble \ˈflek-sə-bəl\
: capable of bending or being bent
: easily changed : able to change or to do different things
: willing to change or to try different things
Full Definition of FLEXIBLE
2
: yielding to influence : tractable
3
: characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements <a flexible foreign policy> <a flexible schedule>
— flex·i·bil·i·ty \ˌflek-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— flex·i·bly \ˈflek-sə-blē\ adverb
See flexible defined for English-language learners
See flexible defined for kids
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First Known Use of FLEXIBLE
15th century
Related to FLEXIBLE
- Synonyms
- adaptable, adjustable, alterable, changeable, elastic, fluid, malleable, modifiable, pliable, variable
- Antonyms
- established, fixed, immutable, inelastic, inflexible, invariable, nonmalleable, ramrod, set, unadaptable, unalterable, unbudgeable, unchangeable
Synonym Discussion of FLEXIBLE
elastic, resilient, springy, flexible, supple mean able to endure strain without being permanently injured. elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching <an elastic waistband>. resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed <a resilient innersole>. springy stresses both the ease with which something yields to pressure and the quickness of its return to original shape <the cake is done when the top is springy>. flexible applies to something which may or may not be resilient or elastic but which can be bent or folded without breaking <flexible plastic tubing>. supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury <supple leather>.
FLEXIBILITY Defined for Kids
flexible
adjective flex·i·ble \ˈflek-sə-bəl\
Definition of FLEXIBLE for Kids
1
: possible or easy to bend <flexible plastic>
2
: easily changed <a flexible schedule>
Word Root of FLEXIBLE
The Latin word flectere, meaning “to bend” or “to curve,” and its form flexus give us the roots flect and flex. Words from the Latin flectere have something to do with bending or curving. To flex is to cause something, such as a muscle, to curve or bend. Something flexible can be bent without breaking. To deflect, or turn aside, is to bend the direction of something. To reflect is to bend an image back to the person looking at a mirror or other shiny surface.
Medical Dictionary
flexible
adjective flex·i·ble \ˈflek-sə-bəl\
Medical Definition of FLEXIBLE
: capable of being flexed : capable of being turned, bowed, or twisted without breaking <flexible bandages> <a flexible fiber-optic bronchoscope>
—flex·i·bil·i·ty \ˌflek-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ noun, plural flex·i·bil·i·ties
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