ductile
/ˈdʌktaɪl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdʌktaɪl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdək-tᵊl -ˌtī(-ə)l/ (ame, mw)
ductile — adjective
- ductilepositive
- ductilercomparative
- ductilestsuperlative
1. able to change shape under force without breaking, especially when a material ca
able to change shape under force without breaking, especially when a material can be pulled or worked into fine wire.
The gold was so ductile that Mei pulled it into fine wire.
ductile + be pulled into wire
A ductile copper sheet bent under Omar's hammer without cracking.
Because the alloy stayed ductile, the factory shaped it into tiny springs.
The jeweler chose a ductile metal for the earrings' fine hooks.
- brittle
Describes a material that cracks or snaps instead of bending.
文法句型
ductile metal
remain ductile under heat
用法筆記
Mostly used in technical or craft contexts about metals and similar materials. It often appears when the material is being drawn, bent, or reshaped without snapping.
常見錯誤
2. too ready to let other people shape your opinions or decisions instead of judgin
too ready to let other people shape your opinions or decisions instead of judging matters for yourself.
At sixteen, Nia was still ductile and copied every new trend.
ductile person — easily follows outside influence
The group wanted a ductile leader they could push around.
After months of training, the new staff were less ductile in meetings.
Joel was so ductile that he changed plans whenever friends complained.
- impressionable
Often used for young people who quickly absorb ideas or habits from others.
- suggestible
More psychological in tone, stressing readiness to accept other people's ideas.
- pliant
Formal and often slightly negative, implying easy control by others.
- strong-willed
Describes someone who resists outside pressure and decides firmly.
文法句型
a ductile mind
be too ductile
用法筆記
This figurative sense is formal and far less common than the materials sense. It usually suggests weak judgment or a habit of being steered by stronger personalities.