French word

flexible

Pronunciation

IPA/flɛksibl/

Meaning

  • adjectiveflexible

Example

Le professeur est flexible sur les dates d'examen.

The professor is flexible about the exam dates.

Illustration for flexible (flexible)

More examples

Pendant l'été, les horaires sont flexibles.

Over the summer, work hours are flexible.

Core concept

A material or stance that bends without losing its purpose.

Common phrases

  • être flexible

    be flexible

  • horaire flexible

    flexible hours

  • esprit flexible

    flexible way of thinking

Similar words

adaptable: Able to adjust behavior or methods to changing conditions.
ouvert: Ready to accept new ideas or opinions.
accommodant: Willing to meet other people's requests or preferences.
tolérant: Accepting of differences in other people's behavior or opinions.

Definition in French

Qui se plie facilement au sens propre (matériau) ou au sens figuré (comportement), tout en conservant sa fonction.

Word origin

French flexible comes from Latin flexibilis, from flectere, meaning 'to bend', and extends the idea of bending from objects to conduct.

Usage tips

  • Souple is especially common for physical pliability, while flexible is frequent for schedules, rules, and working arrangements.

Other meanings

  • accommodatingadjective
  • suppleadjective
  • hosenoun

Opposites

  • rigiderigidadjective
  • inflexibleinflexibleadjective

Related words

  • flexibilitéflexibilitynoun
  • flexibilisermake more flexibleverb
  • flexiblementflexiblyadverb

Word lists with this word