Lithe is an adjective used to describe a body or movement that is slim, gracefulmoving in a smooth, attractive, and controlled way, and able to bend or move easily. It suggests flexibilityability to bend or change shape without breaking or stiffening and elegance, often in a way that looksappears or seems to the eye, giving a particular impression natural and smooth.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /laɪð/
Easy pronunciation: LYTH (approximate spelling).
Stress: One syllable, stressed on the whole word.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Lithe Meaning
slim, flexible, and graceful in movement
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: gracefully thin and bending and moving with ease
Example: The dancer had a lithe, effortless way of moving across the stage.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- lissom — A direct synonym for the same graceful, flexible sense.
- lissome — A direct synonym for the same graceful, flexible sense.
- lithesome — A direct synonym for the same graceful, flexible sense.
- supple — Works well when describing a flexible body or movement.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Lithe Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- lissom
- lissome
- lithesome
- supple
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using lithe to mean only 'thin' without the idea of grace or flexibility.
- Confusing lithe with words that describe curves or twists rather than easy, graceful movement.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does lithe mean in simple English?
Lithe means slim, flexible, and graceful in the way someone moves or bends.
Is lithe a compliment?
Yes. It usually sounds positive and is used to praise someone's graceful, flexible movement or shape.
What are the best synonyms for lithe?
Good synonyms include lissom, lissome, lithesome, and supple, depending on the sentence.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.