labile
labile
Pronunciation
/leɪˈbaɪl/
la: /leɪ/
/l/ as in "lip"
/eɪ/ as in "face" (a diphthong)
bile: /baɪl/
/b/ as in "ball"
/aɪ/ as in "price" (a diphthong)
/l/ as in "lip"
Word Form Variations
lability: This is the noun form, referring to the quality of being labile. It doesn't typically have a plural.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective: Labile
Definition 1: Prone to change, instability, or rapid fluctuation. Describes something that is easily altered or likely to shift.
Synonyms: Unstable, changeable, volatile, fluctuating, unsteady, mercurial, erratic, shifting, transient, precarious.
Antonyms: Stable, constant, steady, unchanging, fixed, secure, robust, reliable, dependable.
Example: "The patient's blood pressure was labile, fluctuating wildly throughout the day."
Definition 2 (Chemistry): Readily undergoing change or decomposition. Describes a chemical compound that is easily broken down or reacts readily.
Synonyms: Unstable, reactive, decomposable, transient.
Antonyms: Stable, inert, unreactive, robust.
Example: "Certain chemical bonds are labile under high temperatures."
Noun: Lability
Definition: The state or quality of being labile; instability; tendency to fluctuate or change rapidly.
Synonyms: Instability, volatility, changeability, fluctuation, fickleness, unsteadiness, transience, precariousness.
Antonyms: Stability, constancy, steadiness, immutability, fixity, security, robustness, reliability, dependability.
Example: "Emotional lability is a common symptom of certain neurological conditions."
Examples of Use
Science/Medicine:
"The researchers observed a labile expression of the protein in response to varying environmental conditions." (Hypothetical example, similar to phrasing in scientific papers)
"Blood glucose levels are notoriously labile in patients with diabetes, requiring careful monitoring." (Commonly discussed in medical contexts and patient education materials)
"The chemical compound proved too labile for use in the intended application, rapidly degrading at room temperature." (Example of chemical context, similar to descriptions in research or industry publications)
Psychology/Emotion:
"Her emotional state was highly labile, shifting from joy to tears in a matter of moments." (Commonly used in psychology and mental health discussions, and potentially in literature describing characters)
"Emotional lability can be a symptom of various neurological conditions." (Discussed in psychology texts and online resources about mental health)
General Discourse/Figurative Language:
"The political climate remains labile, with the upcoming election potentially causing significant shifts in policy." (Used in news analysis and commentary, and in general discussions about current events)
"The real estate market is considered labile, subject to rapid swings in value based on various economic factors." (Appears in financial news and real estate reports)
"His labile personality made him difficult to work with, as his moods and opinions changed constantly." (Used in character descriptions in fiction or in discussions about interpersonal dynamics)
10 Famous Quotes Using Labile
“Human emotion is labile, shifting with each memory that resurfaces.” (Unknown)
“My mentor said a labile mind needs structure, not shame.” (Unknown)
“History is labile, rewritten by those courageous enough to tell the fuller truth.” (Unknown)
“A labile heart can still love deeply—its movement is not its weakness.” (Unknown)
“The poet wrote that joy is labile, flickering like candlelight in the wind.” (Unknown)
“Power becomes dangerous when held by someone with a labile temperament.” (Unknown)
“Even a labile moment can spark a lifelong change.” (Unknown)
“In diplomacy, reactions must be steady, not labile, if peace is the goal.” (Unknown)
“A labile imagination can birth brilliance when paired with discipline.” (Unknown)
“Hope is labile, but it rises again each time we choose to believe.” (Unknown)
Etymology
"Labile" comes from the Latin word labilis, which means "slipping," "sliding," or "unstable." Think of something that easily slides out of place – that's the core idea. Labilis itself comes from the verb labi, meaning "to slip" or "to slide."
The first known uses of "labile" in English, around the mid-19th century, retained this core meaning of "unstable" or "easily changed." Initially, it was often used in a chemical context, describing substances that readily decomposed or changed. This makes sense because unstable chemical compounds are prone to "slipping" out of their original form, so to speak.
Over time, the meaning broadened slightly to encompass anything prone to change or fluctuation, not just chemical substances. So, we can talk about labile emotions, labile markets, or labile political situations. The underlying image of something easily slipping, sliding, or changing remains at the heart of the word's meaning.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Labile
Illustrative Phrases (not established idioms):
Labile emotions: This phrase is sometimes used in psychology and mental health contexts to describe rapidly shifting emotional states. While not a formal idiom, it's a recognizable collocation.
Labile compound/molecule: Common in chemistry to describe unstable substances. Again, a standard term in the field, but not an idiom.
Labile market/economy: Used in finance and economics to describe unstable or volatile markets.
Substituting with Synonyms (to create idioms with similar meaning):
Since direct "labile" idioms are rare, we can look at idioms using synonyms like "unstable," "volatile," or "changeable" to get a sense of the kinds of expressions that capture the same idea:
On shaky ground: (Unstable) - This idiom describes a precarious or uncertain situation.
A volatile situation: (Volatile) - Indicates a situation likely to change rapidly and unpredictably.
Change is the only constant: (Changeable) - A proverb expressing the inevitability of change.
To be all over the map: (Unstable/Erratic) - Describes someone whose emotions or behavior are unpredictable.
To blow hot and cold: (Volatile/Changeable) - Describes someone who changes their mind or feelings frequently.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of labile from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
