elastic
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.able to stretch and then return to its original shape or size.
adj.capable of resuming original shape or dimensions after being stretched or compressed.
Simple“The waistband of these trousers is elastic, so they are very comfortable.”
In context“The material is highly elastic, allowing the athlete full range of motion while ensuring the garment retains its shape after repeated use.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
adj.describing a situation where the demand for a product changes a lot when the price changes.
adj.referring to the degree to which supply or demand for a product responds to a change in price.
Simple“Luxury goods are often elastic because people stop buying them if the price goes up.”
In context“The demand for organic produce proved to be highly elastic, with even a slight price increase leading consumers to switch to conventional alternatives.”
UsageIn economic contexts, it is often contrasted with 'inelastic' demand.
SynonymsAntonymsinelastic - 03 C1 Advanced
adj.able to change or adapt easily to different situations.
adj.capable of being adapted to various uses or circumstances; not rigid in application.
Simple“We have an elastic schedule that allows us to work from home when needed.”
In context“The legal framework was designed to be elastic, allowing judges to interpret the rules according to the specific needs of each generation.”
Antonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a type of cord or fabric that stretches, often used in clothes.
n.a flexible, stretchy material or fabric, typically made of rubber or containing rubber threads.
Simple“The elastic in my old socks has completely worn out.”
In context“The manufacturer used a high-grade industrial elastic to ensure the safety netting could withstand significant impact without snapping.”
Synonymsrubber bandelastic band - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a small, circular piece of stretchy rubber used to hold things together.
n.a loop of rubber used for holding items together; common in specific regional dialects.
Simple“Can you give me an elastic to tie these pens together?”
In context“She snapped an elastic around the bundle of letters, keeping the correspondence organized within the archive box.”
Teacher's tipIn most varieties of English, 'rubber band' is more common; 'an elastic' as a countable noun is specifically common in Canada and parts of the US.
Synonymsrubber band
“The team selected highly elastic yarns and used a knitting method called plating, which places different yarns on opposite faces of the textile.”
From French élastique, from New Latin elasticus (“elastic”), from Ancient Greek ἐλαστός (elastós), alternative form of ἐλατός (elatós, “ductile”) (cf. ἐλατήρ (elatḗr, “a driver, hurler”)), from ἐλαύνω (elaúnō, “to drive, set in motion, push, strike, beat out”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.