What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
souple
Example
The gymnast's body was incredibly souple, allowing her to perform impressive feats. [souple: adjective]
Example
The dancer moved with souple grace, her body flowing seamlessly from one position to the next. [souple: noun]
lithe
Example
The cat was lithe and agile, easily jumping from one surface to another. [lithe: adjective]
Example
The ballerina's lithe movements were mesmerizing, as she effortlessly glided across the stage. [lithe: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lithe is more commonly used in English than souple, which is more commonly used in French. However, both words are relatively uncommon in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between souple and lithe?
Both souple and lithe are formal words that are typically used in more literary or artistic contexts, such as dance, poetry, or literature.
