pliant Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite capable of being influenced or formed
    plastic.
    • the plastic minds of children
    • a pliant nature
  2. adjective satellite capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
    ductile; pliable; malleable; tensile; tractile.
    • ductile copper
    • malleable metals such as gold
    • they soaked the leather to made it pliable
    • pliant molten glass
    • made of highly tensile steel alloy
  3. adjective satellite able to adjust readily to different conditions
    flexible; pliable; elastic.
    • an adaptable person
    • a flexible personality
    • an elastic clause in a contract
  4. adjective satellite capable of being bent or flexed or twisted without breaking
    waxy; bendable; pliable.
    • a flexible wire
    • a pliant young tree

WordNet

Pli"ant adjective
Etymology
F. pliant, p. pr. of plier to bend. See Ply, v.
Definitions
  1. Capable of plying or bending; readily yielding to force or pressure without breaking; flexible; pliable; lithe; limber; plastic; as, a pliant thread; pliant wax. Also used figuratively: Easily influenced for good or evil; tractable; as, a pliant heart.
    The will was then ductile and pliant to right reason. South.
  2. Favorable to pliancy. R. "A pliant hour." Shak. -- Pli"ant*ly, adv. -- Pli"ant*ness, n.

Webster 1913