Definition of supple

The word "supple" originally comes from the Old French word "supel," which means "flexible" or "pliable." The French word, in turn, is believed to have originated from the Latin word "subplibilem," which is composed of the prefix "sub-" (meaning "under" or "beneath") and the stem "pli-" (meaning "to fold"). "Subplibilem" was used to describe items that could be easily bent or folded, such as cloth or paper. This meaning of the word is still present in modern English, as we use "supple" to describe flexible and pliable things, like a supple branch or a supple leather. Over time, the meaning of "supple" evolved to describe not just physical flexibility, but also mental agility and adaptability. In this context, "supple" comes to mean "easily influenced" or "compliant," as a supple mind is receptive to new ideas and changes readily. In summary, the Old French word "supel" likely contributed to the development of the English word "supple," which originally came from the Latin word "subplibilem" and originally referred to items that could be easily bent or folded. Over time, the meaning of the word shifted to describe physical flexibility, as well as mental agility and adaptability, leading to the current definition we use today.