lithe

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lithe" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective that is used to describe something that is flexible and graceful in movement. Example sentence: The lithe cat leapt gracefully onto the windowsill.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was thrilling news indeed as the clear inference is that there are other prehistoric creatures on the grand prix circuit who use their weirdly foreshortened front legs for swatting away pterodactyls and making futile attempts to grab up lithe and bronzed young cave-chicks clad in sloth fur bikinis.

The Guardian - Sport

Powerfully built, but lithe and flexible, Grosics was a key figure in Hungary's "Mighty Magyars" squad from 1947 to 1962.

The Guardian - Sport

Lester, even after a day's rehearsal, is fresh, lithe, athletic.

The Guardian

Instead, a lender commits its money until the final payment is due and it bears the risk of default.The lithe and the lumberingIf fintech platforms were ever to become the main sources of capital for households and firms, the established industry would be transformed into something akin to "narrow banking".

The Economist

Rather than being lithe and graceful, they were short and stubby.

The Economist

Seamlessly, the dancers move from breakdance to something more lithe.

The Economist

He is now being touted as a serious third-party candidate for president.In this section Caveat emptor The gas rush Kiss my ass True grit Off welfare, but poorer ReprintsHow exactly the homoerotic sport of lithe young men in ancient Greece should come to be a vehicle for overweight, overdressed middle-aged politicians is something of a mystery.

The Economist

But it was hard to imagine the older, jowlier man smashing the lithe younger one.The age gap matters.

The Economist

That suggested it could be she and Mr Humala who will go through to a run-off ballot in June.A short, lithe, copper-skinned man, Mr Humala appeals to the third of Peruvians who have yet to see much benefit from the modern economy, partly because he looks like them.

The Economist

AMERICANS are used to thinking of their job market as lithe and supple.

The Economist

Hunter-gatherers may have been so lithe and healthy because the weak were dead.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lithe" to describe figures, movements, or objects that exhibit both slenderness and flexibility, often implying a sense of grace and ease.

Common error

Avoid using "lithe" when you mean "light", which refers to weight. "Lithe" describes flexibility and grace, not the heaviness of an object or person.

Linguistic Context

The word "lithe" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a quality of flexibility, grace, and slenderness. Ludwig shows that "lithe" is often used to describe people and animals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lithe" is an adjective used to describe a figure or movement characterized by grace, flexibility, and slenderness. It's often employed to convey a sense of elegance and ease. Ludwig highlights its frequent usage in contexts ranging from news media to encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While alternatives such as "supple" or "agile" exist, "lithe" uniquely combines slimness with flexibility. Keep in mind that "lithe" describes the suppleness of something, it does not describe the heaviness of an object or person.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supple

Indicates flexibility and ease of bending, similar to "lithe" but emphasizes physical pliability.

lissome

Implies grace and agility, often associated with slender figures, closely mirroring "lithe".

agile

Focuses on quickness and nimbleness, highlighting the ability to move swiftly and easily, a characteristic often associated with being "lithe".

nimble

Similar to agile, emphasizing dexterity and ease of movement, aligning with the concept of being "lithe".

flexible

Highlights the ability to bend easily without breaking, a key component of being "lithe".

slender

Emphasizes slimness, which is often a component of a "lithe" physique, though not the defining factor.

svelte

Implies slender and graceful figure, reflecting an aesthetic quality related to being "lithe".

graceful

Focuses on elegance and fluidity of movement, a quality often associated with a "lithe" person or animal.

trim

Suggests a neat and well-proportioned figure, reflecting a visual aspect of being "lithe".

willowy

Conveys a sense of slimness and flexibility, like a willow tree, relating to the slender and flexible nature of someone "lithe".

FAQs

How can I use "lithe" in a sentence?

You can use "lithe" to describe someone or something flexible and graceful in movement. For instance, "The dancer had a "lithe figure"" or "The gymnast's "lithe movements" were mesmerizing."

What words are similar in meaning to "lithe"?

Alternatives to "lithe" include "supple", "lissome", and "agile". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to describe an object as "lithe"?

Yes, "lithe" can describe objects, particularly those that exhibit flexibility or graceful lines. For example, "The "lithe branches" of the willow swayed in the breeze."

What is the difference between "lithe" and "slender"?

"Lithe" implies both slimness and flexibility, whereas "slender" only refers to being slim or thin. Someone can be slender without being particularly flexible or graceful, but someone described as "lithe" possesses both qualities.