What is the difference between malleable and pliable?

Definitions

malleable

- Describing a material that can be easily shaped or molded without breaking.

- Referring to a person's ability to adapt or change their opinions or behavior.

- Talking about a situation or circumstance that can be altered or influenced.

pliable

- Describing a material that can be easily bent or flexed without breaking.

- Referring to a person's willingness to be influenced or persuaded.

- Talking about a situation or circumstance that can be easily changed or adapted.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe something that can be easily changed or shaped.
• 2. Both words can be used to describe materials, people, or situations.
• 3. Both words imply a certain degree of flexibility or adaptability.

What is the difference?

• 1. Materials: Malleable refers to a material that can be shaped or molded without breaking, while pliable refers to a material that can be bent or flexed without breaking.
• 2. People: Malleable refers to a person's ability to adapt or change their opinions or behavior, while pliable refers to a person's willingness to be influenced or persuaded.
• 3. Situations: Malleable refers to a situation or circumstance that can be altered or influenced, while pliable refers to a situation or circumstance that can be easily changed or adapted.
• 4. Connotation: Malleable has a more neutral connotation, while pliable can have a negative connotation of being easily manipulated or controlled.
• 5. Usage: Malleable is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts, while pliable is more commonly used in everyday language.

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Remember this!

Malleable and pliable are synonyms that describe something that can be easily changed or shaped. However, the difference between the two words lies in the specific type of change or shaping. Malleable refers to something that can be molded or shaped without breaking, while pliable refers to something that can be bent or flexed without breaking. Additionally, malleable is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts, while pliable is more commonly used in everyday language.