labile

The Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 12, 2024, is "labile," meaning readily open to change. It can also denote instability, describing things undergoing continuous chemical, physical, or biological transformations. Despite its etymology (Latin "labi" meaning "to slip"), the obsolete meaning of "prone to err" is no longer used. Today, labile primarily describes individuals or objects easily influenced or prone to fluctuations. Examples include a labile director open to actors' interpretations and a labile character with convincing emotional expressions. Ultimately, understanding the concept of lability enhances vocabulary and precision in language usage.