What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
compressible
Example
The foam is highly compressible and can be easily packed into a small box. [compressible: adjective]
Example
The air in the tire is compressible, allowing it to be inflated to the desired pressure. [compressible: adjective]
malleable
Example
Gold is a highly malleable metal that can be easily shaped into jewelry. [malleable: adjective]
Example
The clay is very malleable and can be molded into any shape. [malleable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Malleable is more commonly used than compressible in everyday language. Malleable is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of materials and situations, while compressible is more specific and often used in scientific and technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between compressible and malleable?
Both compressible and malleable are formal words that are commonly used in technical and scientific contexts. However, compressible may be considered more technical and specialized than malleable, which has broader usage in everyday language.