pliant

pliant Definition

pli·ant (plī′ənt)

adjective

Etymology: ME plyande < MFr, prp. of plier: see pliable

pliant Related Forms

pli′·ancy noun or pli′·ant·ness pli′·antly adverb

pliant Synonyms

modif.

Yielding under influence
tractable, yielding, pliable; see docile, obedient 1, pliable 2.
Yielding under physical pressure
limber, supple, plastic, pliable; see flexible 1, pliable 1. See syn. study at pliable.

pliant Usage Examples

Adjective complement with noun phrase

Modifies a noun

tool: This view reduces people power to little more than the pliant tool of the US.
body: A hitherto pliant, forgiving student body has crystalised against Alasdair Smith and his ongoing academic vandalism today.
rod: Pope writes:- Methinks I see our mighty monarch stand, The pliant rod now trembling in his hand.

Modifying Another Word

not: True strength lies in a fearless powerlessness, that is not assertive but is equally not pliant to another's will to domination.
too: Now this ' privilege ' has been withdrawn as a measure to weaken the none too pliant membership.

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