What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
formable
Example
The clay was very formable and easy to mold into different shapes. [formable: adjective]
Example
The artist used her hands to form the clay into a beautiful vase. [form: verb]
malleable
Example
Gold is a very malleable metal that can be easily shaped into jewelry. [malleable: adjective]
Example
The blacksmith used a hammer to make the metal more malleable before shaping it into a horseshoe. [malleable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Malleable is more commonly used than formable in everyday language. Malleable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while formable is less common and often used in technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between formable and malleable?
Both formable and malleable are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
