supple

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   capable of moving or bending freely, specifically referring to persons' bodies

   The contortionist had a supple body.

2. 2
   adj

   (used of e.g. personality traits) readily adaptable

   a supple mind

3. 3
   verb

   make pliant and flexible

   These boots are not yet suppled by frequent use

4. 4
   adj

   Pliant, flexible, easy to bend.

   Global supply chains, meanwhile, have grown both tighter and more supple since the late 1990s—the result of improving information technology and of freer trade—making routine work easier to relocate.

5. 5
   adj

   Lithe and agile when moving and bending.

   supple joints

6. 6
   adj

   Compliant; yielding to the will of others.

   a supple horse

7. 7
   verb

   To make or become supple.

   The flesh therewith she suppled and did steepe

8. 8
   verb

   To make compliant, submissive, or obedient.

   They should supple our stiff wilfulness.

Etymology

From Middle English souple, from Old French souple, soupple (“soft, lithe, yielding”), from Latin supplic-, supplex (“suppliant, submissive, kneeling”), of uncertain formation. Either from sub + plicō (“bend”) (compare complex), or from sub + plācō (“placate”). More at sub-, placate.