1. Flexibility and ease of movement: This is the most common meaning of suppleness. It refers to the ability to bend, stretch, and move easily and gracefully, without stiffness or resistance. Think of a dancer or a gymnast - they possess great suppleness.
2. Adaptability and responsiveness: Suppleness can also mean being able to adjust to different situations and change plans readily. It implies being open to new ideas, willing to compromise, and able to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
3. Smoothness and pliability: In some cases, suppleness can refer to the texture or feel of something. A supple leather, for example, is soft, flexible, and smooth. This meaning often relates to the quality of materials.
Here are some examples of how the word "suppleness" might be used:
* "The dancer's suppleness allowed her to perform complex movements with ease." (Flexibility and ease of movement)
* "The company's success is due in part to its suppleness in adapting to changing market demands." (Adaptability and responsiveness)
* "The supple leather of the gloves felt luxurious against his skin." (Smoothness and pliability)
So, depending on the context, "suppleness" can describe physical flexibility, mental agility, or the texture of materials.