adj.
Pronunciation: ' s ə -p ə l also ' sü-
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: sup · pler \ -p( ə -)l ə r \ ; sup · plest \ -p( ə -)l ə st \
Etymology: Middle English souple, from Anglo-French suple, from Latin supplic-, supplex entreating for mercy, supplicant, perhaps from sub- + -plic- (akin to plicare to fold) ― more at PLY
Date: 14th century
1 a : compliant often to the point of obsequiousness b : readily adaptable or responsive to new situations
2 a : capable of being bent or folded without creases, cracks, or breaks : PLIANT < supple leather> b : able to perform bending or twisting movements with ease : LIMBER < supple legs of a dancer> c : easy and fluent without stiffness or awkwardness <sang with a lively, supple voice ― Douglas Watt>
synonyms see ELASTIC
– sup · ple · ly \ -p ə (l)-l ē \ or sup · ply \ -p( ə -)l ē \ adverb
– sup · ple · ness \ -p ə l-n ə s \ noun