好词典

supple

UK //ˈsʌp(ə)l//US //ˈsʌpəl//

词源

源自中古英语 souple,借自古法语 souple(柔软的),最终来自拉丁语 supplex(弯曲的,顺从的),由 sub(向下) + plicare(折叠)构成。

adjective

❶ 形容物体柔软易弯曲,通常指材质或身体部位因灵活而能轻松活动。常用于描述皮革、布料或人的肢体。

“The leather shoes are made from supple calfskin.”

(这双皮鞋由柔软的小牛皮制成。)

“Yoga helps keep your body supple and strong.”

(瑜伽能让身体保持柔韧有力。)

❶ 形容人或性格温顺、适应性强,能轻松应对变化或要求。常用于比喻性描述。

“Her supple mind quickly adapted to the new rules.”

(她灵活的头脑迅速适应了新规则。)

“A good diplomat needs a supple approach to negotiations.”

(优秀的外交官需要灵活的谈判方式。)

同义词:flexible, pliant, limber, lithe, elastic

verb

❶ 通过特定处理使某物变得柔软易弯曲,常见于皮革加工或身体训练场景。

“The craftsman suppled the hide with special oils.”

(工匠用特制油软化皮革。)

“Dancers supple their bodies through daily stretching.”

(舞者通过每日拉伸使身体柔韧。)

同义词:soften, loosen, malleate

常见短语

supple as a willow — 比喻极其柔软灵活,像柳枝般随风摆动而不折断。多用于形容人或物的柔韧特性。

“The acrobat's body was as supple as a willow during the performance.”

(杂技演员表演时身体如柳枝般柔韧。)