easily bent or flexible; yielding to influence or persuasion
example
The pliant branches of the willow tree swayed easily in the breeze, bending without breaking.
synonyms
flexibleyieldingsupple
word origin — From Middle English 'pliant', borrowed from Old French 'pliant', present participle of 'plier' meaning 'to bend', which originates from Latin 'plicāre' meaning 'to fold'.
pliant, congenial, reclusive, lilliputian, prescient: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 21. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
pliant · adjective/ˈplaɪənt/
easily bent or flexible; yielding to influence or persuasion
The pliant branches of the willow tree swayed easily in the breeze, bending without breaking.
Synonyms: flexible, yielding, supple
Origin: From Middle English 'pliant', borrowed from Old French 'pliant', present participle of 'plier' meaning 'to bend', which originates from Latin 'plicāre' meaning 'to fold'.
congenial · adjective/kənˈdʒin.i.əl/
pleasant because of a personality, qualities, or interests that are similar to one's own
The congenial atmosphere of the café made it a perfect place for friends to gather and enjoy each other's company.
Synonyms: agreeable, friendly, compatible
Origin: from Latin 'congenialis', from 'con-' (together) + 'genialis' (suitable, genial), from 'genius'.
reclusive · adjective/rɪˈklusɪv/
avoiding the company of others; solitary
The reclusive author rarely made public appearances, choosing instead to live in isolation while he worked on his next book.
Synonyms: antisocial, solitary, withdrawn
Origin: from Latin 'reclusus', past participle of 'recolligere', meaning 'to shut away'
lilliputian · adjective/ˌlɪlɪˈpuʃn/
extremely small or miniature
The artist created a collection of lilliputian sculptures that fit perfectly on the tips of a pencil.
Synonyms: miniature, tiny, diminutive
Origin: The term 'Lilliputian' originates from 'Lilliput', a fictional island in Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels' (1726), where the inhabitants are notably small.
prescient · adjective/ˈprɛʃ.ənt/
having knowledge of events before they take place
His prescient observations about the economy helped the company navigate the financial crisis effectively.
Synonyms: foreseeing, prophetic, clairvoyant
Origin: from Latin 'praescientem', the present participle of 'praescire' meaning 'to know beforehand'