What is malleable? Pronunciation and usage in English

malleable means . Learn how to pronounce and use malleable through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of malleable

malleableadjective

/ˈmæliəbl//ˈmæliəbl/

Okay, let's break down the pronunciation of "malleable." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown and how to say it correctly:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • mal - like the word "mall" (as in shopping mall)
  • le - as in "tell"
  • a - as in "father"
  • ble - like "able" (as in "I am able")

2. Putting it Together:

The phonetic pronunciation is approximately: ˈmæ.lɪ.ə.bəl

Here’s a more detailed breakdown with emphasis:

  • ˈmæ - The first syllable is emphasized and sounds like "mah" (short 'a' as in "cat").
  • lɪ - The second syllable sounds like "lee" (short 'i' as in "bit").
  • ə - This is a schwa sound – a very weak, unstressed vowel sound. It’s like the "a" in "about" or the "u" in "suppose." It’s often almost silent.
  • bəl - The final syllable sounds like "bull" (with a silent 'l' at the end).

3. Tips for Saying It Right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable ("mal").
  • Short Vowels: Pay attention to the short “a” and “i” sounds. Don't pronounce them too long.
  • The Schwa: The "ə" sound is the most challenging. Practice saying it lightly and quickly.

Resources to Listen:

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Usage and examples with the word malleable in English

Let's break down how to use the word "malleable" effectively in English.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Definition: "Malleable" describes something that is easily shaped or bent without breaking. It’s about flexibility and yielding to pressure.

2. Primary Usage – Materials:

  • Most Common Use: This is where you'll encounter "malleable" most often. It’s used to describe physical materials like metals.
    • Examples:
      • "Lead is a remarkably malleable metal; it can be hammered into almost any shape."
      • "Gold is also malleable, allowing goldsmiths to create intricate jewelry."
      • "Compared to steel, aluminum is more malleable and easier to form."

3. Figurative Usage – People & Character:

  • People & Behavior: "Malleable" can be used metaphorically to describe a person's character or attitude. It means someone who is easily influenced, adaptable, or open to change. This usage is a bit more nuanced and can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation.
    • Examples:
      • "He was a malleable young man, easily swayed by peer pressure." (Can imply lack of strong convictions)
      • "A malleable politician needs to be responsive to the needs of their constituents." (Suggests a willingness to adapt to circumstances)
      • "Her malleable personality allowed her to quickly adjust to new cultures and environments." (More positive – indicates adaptability)

4. Synonyms:

  • For materials: flexible, ductile, pliable, formable
  • For people: flexible, adaptable, suggestive, impressionable, compliant

5. Important Considerations & Nuances:

  • Negative Connotation (with people): When used to describe a person, "malleable" can sometimes imply a lack of strength of character. Someone who’s too malleable might be seen as lacking independence or principles. Consider the context carefully.
  • Positive Connotation (with people): In other contexts, “malleable” can be a positive trait, signifying openness to learning, change, and new ideas.

6. Example Sentences (combining uses):

  • "The sculptor appreciated the malleable nature of the clay, allowing him to create delicate forms." (Material)
  • "After years of hardship, she developed a malleable spirit, able to find joy in simple things." (Figurative – positive)
  • “His malleable attitude towards authority made him a challenging student.” (Figurative – potentially negative)

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word malleable

Practice with vocabulary malleable

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Gold is a highly _____________ metal, making it ideal for jewelry crafting due to its ability to be hammered into thin sheets.
  2. The company's culture is quite _____________, allowing employees to quickly adjust to new project requirements and technologies.
  3. After several market downturns, the startup proved remarkably _____________, bouncing back stronger each time without significant lasting damage.
  4. Securing early-stage funding was _____________ for the project's successful launch, providing the necessary capital to build the initial prototype.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A leader whose policies are _____________ is more likely to navigate unforeseen challenges successfully. (A) rigid (B) unyielding (C) malleable (D) inflexible (E) adaptable

  2. Which of the following describes a material that can be easily hammered into thin sheets without breaking, and also drawn into wires? (A) brittle (B) ductile (C) fragile (D) malleable (E) rigid

  3. In a healthy debate, one's opinions should remain somewhat _____________, open to new evidence and perspectives rather than being stubbornly fixed. (A) steadfast (B) obstinate (C) pliable (D) resolute (E) malleable

  4. The new software update aims to _____________ the process of data analysis for all users, making it more efficient and user-friendly. (A) impede (B) obstruct (C) complicate (D) facilitate (E) simplify

  5. Scientific theories are often tested through _____________ observation and experimentation, relying on verifiable data rather than abstract concepts alone. (A) anecdotal (B) theoretical (C) empirical (D) abstract (E) firsthand

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The youthful mind is very easily influenced and shaped by new experiences and learning. Rewrite using "malleable" or a related word form:

  2. Iron can be formed into various shapes when heated and worked by a blacksmith. Rewrite using "malleable" or a related word form:

  3. The new policy is very flexible and can be adapted to many different situations without needing complete overhaul. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "malleable" or its forms):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. malleable
  2. malleable
  3. resilient
  4. crucial

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. (C) malleable, (E) adaptable
  2. (B) ductile, (D) malleable
  3. (C) pliable, (E) malleable
  4. (D) facilitate, (E) simplify
  5. (C) empirical, (E) firsthand

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Due to its malleable nature, the youthful mind is readily influenced and shaped by new experiences and learning.
  2. The malleability of heated iron allows it to be formed into various shapes by a blacksmith.
  3. The new policy is extremely versatile, designed to be effective across a wide range of situations without needing complete overhaul.

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