flexible

UKˈflɛksɪb(ə)lUSˈflɛksəb(ə)l

Meaning

1adj

able to bend easily without breaking.

2adj

able and willing to change or adapt.

Structure

word structure

flex

bend

ible

capable of

Usage

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.

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)=flexbend+iblecapable of

flex (from latin flectere, meaning 'to bend'); ible (from latin suffix -ibilis, meaning 'capable of, able to be').

Word families

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flexbend

01inflexibleNot able to be changed or adapted; unwilling to change one's opinions, decisions, etc.flexbend 02flexorA muscle whose contraction bends a limb or other part of the body.flexbend 03reflexAn action that is performed without conscious thought as a response to a stimulus.flexbend 04flexionThe action of bending or the condition of being bent, especially of a limb or joint.flexbend 05flexureThe action of bending or the state of being bent, especially of a flexible structure.flexbend 06flextimea system of working a set number of hours with the starting and finishing times chosen within agreed limits by the employee.flexbend

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