malleable
What does "malleable" mean?
The word "malleable" describes something that can be easily shaped, pressed, or hammered into a different form without breaking. While it originally refers to physical materials like gold or clay, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe people or ideas that are easily influenced or adaptable to new situations. In professional or academic contexts, "malleable" often implies a positive trait of flexibility, such as a malleable plan or a malleable personality. However, when applied to people, it can occasionally carry a subtle connotation of being overly suggestible or lacking a strong, independent will. It is commonly paired with nouns like "metal," "mind," or "policy."
"malleable" in conversation
Discussing a project plan
Do you think our strategy is set in stone?
Do you think our strategy is set in stone?
Not at all, it's quite malleable for now.
Not at all, it's quite malleable for now.
Used here to mean that the plan is still open to changes.
Describing a student
The student is very malleable.
The student is very malleable.
That's good to hear, she learns quickly.
That's good to hear, she learns quickly.
Highlights the student's ability to be molded by new information.
"malleable" in a sentence
Gold is a very malleable metal.
Gold is a very malleable metal.
The young child's mind is incredibly malleable and eager for knowledge.
The young child's mind is incredibly malleable and eager for knowledge.
The company's rigid structure proved to be less malleable than the executives had hoped during the merger.
The company's rigid structure proved to be less malleable than the executives had hoped during the merger.
