IPA: /ˈsʌpəl/
KK: /ˈsʌpəl/
Able to move and bend easily without stiffness; flexible and adaptable.
The dancer's body was supple, allowing her to perform intricate movements gracefully.
Comparative: more supple
Superlative: most supple
To make something flexible and able to bend easily without breaking.
The trainer helped to supple the athlete's muscles through stretching exercises.
Past: suppled
Past Participle: suppled
Supple is derived from the Latin word "supplex" (meaning kneeling or humble), which comes from "sub-" (meaning under) and "plicare" (meaning to fold). The word originally described something that is easily bent or flexible, akin to being humble or yielding.
Think of something that is 'easily bent' or 'folded' — 'sub-' means under and 'plicare' means to fold, which helps you remember that supple refers to flexibility.