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flexibly

flexibly

2 3.7
In a way that changes or adapts easily to different situations
  • adverb
  • /ˈflɛksəblɪ/
translation icon : flexiblemente
  • During the meeting, we had to think flexibly to adapt our plans to the new circumstances.
  • respond flexibly
  • think flexibly
  • adapt flexibly

But we're the only ones that can coordinate in these huge groups flexibly.

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Examples

  • And I think for certain industries and certainly certain workplaces, the ability to work flexibly really became apparent during the pandemic, right?

  • To what extent are music students able to move flexibly between musical styles and genres in these ways?

    Academic text (2015)
  • And that allows a company to fund itself more flexibly than it would if it was depending on just one type of instrument.

  • However, this principle was to be applied flexibly in the light of operational requirements.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Having to respond ever more flexibly to the increasingly diverse expectations of students,

    Academic text (2003)
  • The free society is capable of flexibly adapting to changing circumstances.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Under these conditions, the British army reacted more flexibly to changes in civilian leaders' goals.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Emily designed instruction to help Marisa develop the ability to flexibly use visual information in text.

    Academic text (2013)
  • All exhibited skills in shifting roles and flexibly adapting to the different tasks required as the model evolved.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Our librarians are truly information and technology literacy specialists, flexibly scheduled and empowered with opportunities for training and teamwork.

    Academic text (2012)

Synonyms

fluidly
vsflexibly
4 3.8

In a smooth, easy way without pauses

changes to conditions rather than focusing on smooth motion
responsively
vsflexibly
  • Specialized
4.5

In a way that quickly adapts to different screen sizes

adapts to different conditions rather than only reacting fast
elastically
vsflexibly
  • Specialized
4.8

In a way that can change size or amount quickly to meet needs

changes behavior or plans broadly not only by stretching or size change
pliantly
vsflexibly
5.1

In a way that bends easily and accepts changes without protest

adapts actively rather than mainly yielding to others

Antonyms

11 4.3

In a strict way that does not allow change

1 6.0

In a strict way that does not allow any change

How Flexible

adaptively
1 5.3
flexibly
2 3.7
rigidly
11 4.3

Surface Forms

flexibly positive

Morphology

flexibly = flexible (transparent) = flex + ible + ly

Adding the adverbial suffix '-ly' to 'flexible' yields an adverb meaning 'in a flexible way', a regular and transparent derivation.

Etymology

Flexibly comes from the root flex, which means 'to bend' and is the same idea in the verb flex when you show your muscles. So, to act flexibly is to 'bend' your plans or actions to fit new situations, meaning you can change or adapt easily.