The pliable and nimble antelope sped acrossi:he open grassland.

Question

In this sentence, why would lithe be a better synonym for "flexible" than p/iable is?
Lithe can also refer to graceful movement
Lithe implies greater flexibility than pliable does
Lithe can refer to mental flexibility as well as physical agility.

Answer 1

All of the above statements are correct. Lithe typically connotes a sense of grace and elegance in movement, which may be more appropriate when describing an antelope running across the grassland. Additionally, lithe often implies a more advanced level of flexibility and agility than pliable, making it a better fit in this context. Lastly, lithe can also refer to mental flexibility and adaptability, further emphasizing the agility and quick thinking of the antelope.