flexible
UK[ˈflɛksɪb(ə)l]US[ˈflɛksəb(ə)l]
adj
able to bend easily without breaking.
adj
able and willing to change or adapt.
Morpheme Breakdown
flex
ible
flex
bend
ible
capable of
Etymology
the word 'flexible' has a direct lineage from the latin verb flectere, meaning 'to bend'. the suffix -ibilis was added to form the latin adjective flexibilis, which literally meant 'capable of being bent'. this concrete, physical meaning was carried into english via old french. over time, the semantic field broadened to include the abstract sense of being adaptable or pliable in character, plans, or systems, mirroring the physical property of a material that can bend without breaking.
Analysis
Structure: flex (bend) + ible (capable of)
flex (from latin flectere, meaning 'to bend'); ible (from latin suffix -ibilis, meaning 'capable of, able to be').
Examples
the gymnast was incredibly flexible, easily performing splits and backbends.
we need a flexible schedule to accommodate everyone's availability.
this new plastic is more flexible and durable than the old version.