flexible
C1Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
Able to bend easily without breaking; capable of being adapted or modified.
Willing and able to change according to circumstances; capable of adapting to new conditions or requirements, particularly regarding arrangements, plans, or attitudes.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an adjective. Its meaning spans the physical ('able to bend') to the metaphorical ('adaptable in mind, arrangements'). The metaphorical sense is more common in contemporary usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use it identically in core and metaphorical senses. UK English may occasionally use 'bendy' colloquially for the physical sense.
Connotations
Highly positive in both varieties, associated with resilience, adaptability, and practicality.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American business and management discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be flexible about/on/over somethingflexible enough to do somethingflexible in one's approach/thinkingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bend over backwards (to help)”
- “go with the flow”
- “roll with the punches”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to adaptable work arrangements, contracts, or business models (e.g., 'flexible hours', 'flexible workforce').
Academic
Used to describe adaptable methodologies, theoretical frameworks, or cognitive styles.
Everyday
Describes physical objects (a hose), plans ('flexible holiday dates'), or a person's accommodating nature.
Technical
In engineering/physics: a material's ability to deform under stress and return to shape; in computing: adaptable software architecture.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The contract allows us to flex the delivery dates if necessary.
- The team can flex its resources to meet demand.
American English
- We can flex the budget to accommodate new priorities.
- The system is designed to flex under peak loads.
adverb
British English
- The rules were applied flexibly.
- She works flexibly from home two days a week.
American English
- The policy was interpreted flexibly.
- You can schedule your hours flexibly.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This ruler is flexible, so it won't break.
- My yoga teacher is very flexible.
- We need a flexible plan for the weekend in case it rains.
- The new plastic is light and flexible.
- The company offers flexible working hours to its employees.
- You need to be more flexible in your negotiations.
- The treaty's deliberately flexible wording allows for multiple interpretations.
- His flexible moral compass eventually led to his downfall.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FLEXible person doing mental or physical FLEXes to adapt to new situations.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADAPTABILITY IS PHYSICAL FLEXIBILITY (e.g., 'bend the rules', 'stretch a deadline', 'a rigid mindset').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'гибкий' for people in negative contexts (can imply 'spineless'). 'Flexible schedule' is better translated as 'плавающий график' or 'свободный график'. The verb 'to flex' (muscles) is a false friend – it's 'напрягать', not 'гнуть'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'flexible' with 'reflexive' (grammar). Using it as a countable noun (*'a flexible' is incorrect). Incorrect preposition: *'flexible with the timings' (prefer 'about/on').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'flexible' in a primarily physical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost always. It connotes practicality, adaptability, and resilience. Rarely, in contexts valuing strictness, it can be negative (e.g., 'flexible ethics').
They are close synonyms. 'Flexible' often implies a built-in capacity to bend or change without breaking. 'Adaptable' emphasizes a successful adjustment *after* a change has occurred.
Yes, but less commonly. As a verb ('to flex'), it means to bend, to use (authority/muscles), or to adapt something (e.g., 'flex a schedule'). The adjective form is far more frequent.
'Flexibility' is the primary noun. 'Flex' is a separate noun (meaning a bending movement or a type of cable).
Collections
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