Word
supple
Phoneticssup·ple, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsəpəɫ/
UK/sˈʌpəl/
Definition
adj. describing something that is soft and bends easily without breaking. You can use it for materials like leather or for a person's body if they are very flexible.
adj. characterised by ease of movement or flexibility; capable of being bent or folded without damage. Often describes physical bodies, materials, or metaphorically, a mind that adapts easily to new situations.
Examples
“The athlete has a very supple and strong body.”
“You should apply a special oil to the leather boots to keep them supple and prevent them from cracking in the cold.”
“The dancer's movements were remarkably supple, transitioning from rigid poses to fluid extensions with a grace that suggested a lifetime of disciplined stretching.”
Examples
simple
“The athlete has a very supple and strong body.”
contextual
“You should apply a special oil to the leather boots to keep them supple and prevent them from cracking in the cold.”
complex
“The dancer's movements were remarkably supple, transitioning from rigid poses to fluid extensions with a grace that suggested a lifetime of disciplined stretching.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “supple” in context.
Verb
01. become supple
“Warm the clay in your hands until it becomes supple.”
verb + adj
02. keep supple
“Regular oiling will keep the leather supple for years.”
verb + adj
03. remain supple
“Daily stretching helps athletes remain supple and injury-free.”
verb + adj
04. stay supple
“Swimmers do mobility work to stay supple through the season.”
verb + adj
Adjective
05. incredibly supple
“The dancer's incredibly supple back allowed her to bend effortlessly.”
adv + adj
06. naturally supple
“Young gymnasts are often naturally supple and quick to learn.”
adv + adj
07. remarkably supple
“After years of yoga, her joints are remarkably supple and pain-free.”
adv + adj
Noun
08. supple body
“The yoga instructor has a strong, supple body built over decades.”
adj + noun
09. keep leather soft and supple
“Condition your boots regularly to keep leather soft and supple.”
10. keep muscles supple and relaxed
“Gentle stretching keeps muscles supple and relaxed after training.”
11. move with supple grace
“The dancer moves with supple grace across the stage.”
12. remain supple into old age
“Pilates helped her remain supple into old age.”
Usage
Commonly used to describe skin, muscles, or high-quality materials like leather and silk.
Etymology
From Middle English souple, the term was adopted from the Old French souple or soupple, denoting that which is soft, lithe, or yielding. The French root descends from the Latin supplic- or supplex, describing one who is suppliant, submissive, or habitually kneeling.
The Latin formation remains a matter of scholarly uncertainty. It is derived either from sub and plicō, meaning to bend, or from sub and plācō, meaning to placate. In either instance, the word retains the posture of one who has found it tactically advantageous to fold.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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