Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈdʌktaɪl/, /ˈdʌktɪl/

Definitions

• Capable of being drawn out into thin wires without breaking.
• Easily influenced or yielding to persuasion.
• Capable of being molded or shaped without losing toughness.

Usage Examples

• Gold is one of the most ductile metals known to man.
• Her ductile personality made her a favorite among her peers.
• Aluminum is both lightweight and ductile, making it ideal for various applications.

Etymology

Derived from Latin ductilis, from ducere meaning "to lead" or "draw." The term has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe metals and malleable substances.

Synonyms

• Malleable
• Pliable
• Flexible
• Yielding

Antonyms

• Brittle
• Rigid
• Inflexible
• Stubborn

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈdʌktaɪl/
• American English: /ˈdʌktɪl/
• Australian English: /ˈdʌktaɪl/

Historical Usage

The term was initially applied to metals in the Middle Ages and later adopted to describe flexible materials and people in figurative senses.

Cultural Nuances

In metallurgy, ductility is a prized quality, especially for materials like gold and copper. Figuratively, the term represents pliable or impressionable behavior.

More Information

Ductility is an essential property in materials science, affecting the design and manufacturing of wires, cables, and metal components. It also plays a significant role in earthquake-resistant structures where materials need to bend without breaking.