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flexible Meaning & Definition

/ˈflɛk.sɪ.bəl/

What Does Flexible Mean?

As an adjective, flexible means Capable of being flexed or bent without breaking; able to be turned or twisted without breaking. It is also used to mean Willing or prone to give way to the influence of others; not invincibly rigid or obstinate. As a noun, it means Something that is flexible.

Flexible at a Glance

Part of speechadjective, noun
Pronunciation/ˈflɛk.sɪ.bəl/
Syllables3
Synonymspliant, versatile and pliable
Antonymsinflexible and uncompromising
Pluralflexibles
Comparative / superlativemore flexible, most flexible

Flexible Definition (Adjective)

  1. Capable of being flexed or bent without breaking; able to be turned or twisted without breaking.
  2. Willing or prone to give way to the influence of others; not invincibly rigid or obstinate.
  3. Capable of adapting or changing to suit new or modified conditions or situations.

    You can't always get what you want: you need to learn to be flexible.

  4. Capable or being adapted or molded in some way.

    a flexible language

Flexible as a Noun

  1. Something that is flexible.

Synonyms of Flexible

Flexible synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Flexible

Flexible in a Sentence

You can't always get what you want: you need to learn to be flexible.

a flexible language

This was a principle more flexible to their purpose. -Rogers.

Word Forms & Grammar

flexible (comparative more flexible, superlative most flexible)

flexible (plural flexibles)

Words That Rhyme With Flexible

Origin of Flexible

From Middle French flexible, from Latin flexibilis, from flectō (“to bend, curve”). Morphologically flex +‎ -ible.

Flexible Pronunciation

The standard pronunciation of flexible is /ˈflɛk.sɪ.bəl/, spoken in 3 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (flɛk).

Questions People Ask About Flexible

Is flexible an adjective or a noun?

Flexible is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.

What is another word for flexible?

Words with a similar meaning to flexible include pliant, versatile and pliable. See the full list of flexible synonyms and antonyms.

What is the opposite of flexible?

The opposite of flexible can be expressed with words like inflexible and uncompromising.

What is the plural of flexible?

The plural of flexible is flexibles.

What are the comparative and superlative forms of flexible?

The comparative form is more flexible and the superlative form is most flexible.

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