English Explanatory Dictionary

supple

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Pliant, flexible, easy to bend.
  2. Lithe and agile when moving and bending.
  3. Compliant; yielding to the will of others.
  4. Smooth and drinkable.
verb
  1. To make or become supple.
  2. To make compliant, submissive, or obedient.
name
  1. A surname.

Pronunciation

/ˈsʌpəl/ en-us-supple.ogg en-au-supple.ogg

Word forms

supple suppler supplest supples suppling suppled

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.

Derived words

supplejack supplely suppleness supply unsupple unsuppled
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