Lithe
What it means
Bending and moving with supple, graceful ease.
Reach for it when describing a body or movement in refined visual prose
The lithe climber shifted weight smoothly across the narrow ledge.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| literary |
-
everyday
Fits when freedom from bodily stiffness is the practical point
Careful Limber is less elegant and does not imply visual grace.
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warm
Fits when pleasing controlled movement matters more than body type
Careful Graceful does not require flexibility.
-
professional
Fits when quick coordinated movement is established
Careful Agile stresses speed and control rather than flexibility.
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professional
Fits when range of motion is the measurable claim
Careful Flexible is broad and lacks lithe's visual elegance.
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literary
supple
Fits when flexible smooth bending is the exact quality
Careful Supple may describe leather or joints without graceful movement.
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literary
willowy
Fits when slender flexible appearance is consciously intended
Careful Willowy describes build and can feel objectifying.
Opposites 3
- stiff
- rigid
- awkward
Common phrases 3
-
lithe dancer
A lithe dancer traced the rhythm with economical movements.
-
lithe figure
The sculptor captured the runner's lithe figure in bronze.
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remain lithe
Daily mobility work helped the acrobat remain lithe.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Tomhannen, British accent, from Wikimedia Commons, public domain Updated