unpliant
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not easily bent or flexible: "unpliant" describes a material that is rigid and does not yield to pressure or bending.
- Figuratively, not easily influenced or persuaded: In a metaphorical sense, "unpliant" refers to a person's character or attitude that is stubborn, unyielding, or resistant to change or compromise.
Usage Examples
- Literal (physical): (The rod is too rigid to bend easily.)
- Figurative (character): (He refused to change his position or show flexibility.)
Advanced Usage
- "unpliant nature": referring to a person's inherent stubbornness. (Her rigidity hindered progress.)
- "unpliant material": used in technical or industrial contexts. (The material lacked flexibility.)
Variants and Related Words
- Unpliable (adj): another form meaning not easily bent or influenced. (The clay was too stiff.)
- Pliant (adj): the opposite — flexible or easily influenced. (Flexible branch.)
Synonyms
- Rigid: stiff and not bending.
- Inflexible: unwilling to change or adapt.
- Stubborn: determined not to change one's attitude or position.
- Unyielding: not giving way to pressure or persuasion.
Antonyms
- Pliant: flexible or easily influenced.
- Supple: bending easily without breaking.
- Adaptable: able to adjust to new conditions.
Related Idioms
- "Set in one's ways": meaning very fixed in habits or ideas (similar to figurative "unpliant"). (He is stubborn and unchangeable.)
Usage Notes
- "Unpliant" is less common than its synonym "unpliable" or "inflexible". It is typically used in formal or literary contexts.
- The figurative sense is more frequent than the literal sense in modern English.