supple

Pronunciation: adjective. Synonyms: lithe, nimble, agile

adjective

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of supple

supple (adjective): Easily bent, shaped, or manipulated; characterized by adaptability and resilience, both physically and figuratively.

Example: The dancer’s supple movements captivated the audience, as she seemed to flow seamlessly across the stage.

Best for: intermediate-difficulty vocabulary; learners who already know "flexible" or "lithe"; GRE Verbal (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence); SAT Reading & Writing (Words in Context).

Origin of supple

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: supplex

Original meaning: submissive, bending under

How it evolved: Initially used to describe physical flexibility and submission, the word evolved to encompass adaptability and resilience both physically and metaphorically.

Derived from Middle English, influenced by Old French, and ultimately tracing back to Latin, the word originally referred to bending or softening.

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember supple

Imagine a 'supple' cat stretching and bending with ease — both physically flexible and mentally adaptable like someone who can 'supply' solutions flexibly!

Synonyms for supple

Antonyms of supple

  • stiff
  • rigid
  • inflexible
  • unyielding
  • brittle

supple in a Sentence

  1. The dancer’s supple movements captivated the audience, as she seemed to flow seamlessly across the stage.
  2. His supple mind allowed him to approach complex problems with creative solutions and adaptability.
  3. The leather of the newly crafted gloves was remarkably supple, fitting snugly without any stiffness.

supple in Literature & Culture

In literature, 'supple' is often used to describe dancers, athletes, or metaphorically flexible minds, appearing in works by authors like William Shakespeare and Jane Austen.

Usage Notes

While primarily used to describe physical flexibility, 'supple' is often applied metaphorically to describe mental or emotional adaptability. Avoid confusing it with 'supplement,' though both share the Latin root 'sub.'

Why supple Matters for GRE & SAT

This word is valuable for GRE students as it often appears in passages discussing adaptability, resilience, or grace, and knowing its nuanced synonyms and antonyms can enhance verbal reasoning performance.

Word Family

suppleness (noun)
The quality of being flexible or adaptable.
unsupple (adjective)
Lacking flexibility or adaptability; rigid.
supplingly (adverb)
In a flexible or adaptable manner.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'supple' is frequently used in ballet and yoga contexts to praise flexibility and grace.
  • Shakespeare used the word 'supple' metaphorically in his works to describe emotional pliancy and adaptability.
  • The phrase 'supple as silk' is a common idiom emphasizing the smooth and flexible texture of silk.
  • pliant
  • resilient
  • Sycophant — A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
  • sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
  • sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
  • salubrious — promoting health or well-being
  • salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
  • sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior

More Vocabulary Words Starting with S

  • Sycophant — A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
  • sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
  • sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
  • sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
  • sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
  • salubrious — promoting health or well-being
  • salubrious — promoting health or well-being
  • salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
  • salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
  • sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior