What does labile mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈleɪbaɪl/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Prone to change or instability; unstable or unpredictable. In chemistry, it refers to a compound that is highly reactive or unstable.

Examples

• The labile nature of the compound made it difficult to work with.
• Her mood was labile, shifting from happiness to sadness in an instant.

Synonyms

• Unstable
• Unpredictable
• Reactive

Antonyms

• Stable
• Predictable
• Constant

Additional Information

The term “labile” is often used in various fields, including chemistry, psychology, and medicine. In chemistry, it refers to a compound that is highly reactive or unstable. In psychology, it describes a person’s mood or emotions that are prone to sudden changes. In medicine, it can refer to a patient’s condition that is unstable or unpredictable.

Labile individuals may experience rapid mood swings, making it challenging for them to maintain relationships or cope with stress. In some cases, labile behavior can be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition, such as borderline personality disorder.

Understanding the concept of labile can help individuals and professionals develop strategies to manage and stabilize unstable situations. By recognizing the signs of labile behavior, people can take steps to mitigate its effects and promote a more stable environment.

Eymology

The word “labile” comes from the Latin word “labilis,” meaning “liable to slip or fall.” It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe something that is prone to change or instability.

Usage Notes

When using the word “labile,” it’s essential to consider the context in which it is being used. In scientific contexts, it typically refers to a compound or substance that is highly reactive or unstable. In psychological or medical contexts, it describes a person’s mood or behavior that is prone to sudden changes.

Cultural References

The term “labile” has been used in various cultural references, including literature and music. For example, the novel “The Labile” by author X explores the theme of instability and change in human relationships.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Labile emotions
• Labile behavior
• Labile compound

Related Words or Phrases

• Unstable
• Unpredictable
• Reactive
• Volatile

Collocations

• Labile mood
• Labile emotions
• Labile behavior
• Labile compound

Frequency of Use

The word “labile” is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is frequently used in scientific, psychological, and medical contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Lable
• Labal
• Labile