flexible etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: "flexibilis," from "flexus," meaning "bent, curved"
  • Proto-Indo-European root: "pelk-," meaning "to fold, bend"

Meaning:

  • Capable of bending or being bent without breaking
  • Able to change or adapt easily
  • Easy to handle or manipulate
  • Not rigid or fixed

Origin:

The word "flexible" entered the English language in the 14th century, derived from the Latin "flexibilis." The Latin term evolved from the verb "flectere," meaning "to bend," which in turn comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "pelk-."

Additional Meanings and Usage:

  • Figuratively:
    • Able to adapt to different situations or ideas
    • Not fixed in one opinion or belief
    • Tolerant or understanding
  • Technical:
    • In materials science, refers to the ability of a material to bend without fracturing
    • In engineering, describes structures or components designed to withstand bending forces

flexible relate terms

  • circumflex

    Etymology The word circumflex comes from the Latin circumflexus which means bent ar

  • circum

    Etymology The word circum comes from the Latin word circum which means around or

  • flexible

    Etymology Latin flexibilis from flexus meaning bent curved Proto Indo Europea

  • flex

    Etymology From Latin flectere to bend curve or turn Meaning and Origin The wo

  • flexible

    Etymology Latin flexibilis from flexus meaning bent curved Proto Indo Europea

  • flexion

    Etymology Middle English flexioun from Old French flexion from Latin flexiō flexiō

  • genuflection

    Etymology The word genuflection comes from the Latin words genu meaning knee and

  • inflexible

    Etymology Latin inflexibilis in not flexibilis bendable Meaning Unable

  • lithe

    Etymology Old English liðe gentle mild soft Meaning Graceful and flexible in

  • hickory

    Etymology The word hickory is derived from the Powhatan Algonquian word pohikory wh

  • tuft

    Etymology The word tuft comes from the Middle English word tufte which in turn is d

  • slouch

    Etymology Middle English slouchen meaning to hang down from Old English slūca

  • elastic

    Etymology The word elastic originates from the Greek word elastikos which means pro

  • Castile

    Etymology The word Castile derives from the Latin castellum meaning castle which

  • pliable

    Etymology Middle English pliable Old French pliable Latin plicare to fold Mean