SUPPLENESS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does suppleness mean? 

• SUPPLENESS (noun)
  The noun SUPPLENESS has 3 senses:

1. the gracefulness of a person or animal that is flexible and supple

2. the property of being pliant and flexible

3. adaptability of mind or character

  Familiarity information: SUPPLENESS used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SUPPLENESS (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The gracefulness of a person or animal that is flexible and supple

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

lissomeness; litheness; suppleness

Hypernyms ("suppleness" is a kind of...):

gracefulness (beautiful carriage)

Derivation:

supple (gracefully thin and bending and moving with ease)

Sense 2

Meaning:

The property of being pliant and flexible

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

pliancy; pliantness; suppleness

Hypernyms ("suppleness" is a kind of...):

bendability; pliability (the property of being easily bent without breaking)

Derivation:

supple ((used of persons' bodies) capable of moving or bending freely)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Adaptability of mind or character

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

pliability; pliancy; pliantness; suppleness

Context example:

he increased the leanness and suppleness of the organization

Hypernyms ("suppleness" is a kind of...):

adaptability (the ability to change (or be changed) to fit changed circumstances)

Derivation:

supple ((used of e.g. personality traits) readily adaptable)