In the following question, which word is opposite in meaning to "MALLEABLE" (easily shaped, influenced, or bent)?

Introduction / Context:
This question asks for the antonym of malleable. Malleable is used both in physical science, where it refers to metals that can be bent or hammered into shape, and in a psychological sense, where it describes people who are easily influenced. To find the correct opposite, you must recall the core idea of malleability and then choose the option that negates that idea.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: MALLEABLE.
• Option A: TEACHABLE.
• Option B: INTRACTABLE.
• Option C: MANAGEABLE.
• Option D: PLIABLE.
• We assume the general sense: easily shaped or influenced.

Concept / Approach:
Malleable means capable of being shaped or bent without breaking, and by extension, easily influenced or controlled. Pliable has a very similar meaning, describing something that bends easily or a person who can be easily influenced. Teachable and manageable also carry the idea of being easy to handle or guide. Intractable, on the other hand, means difficult or impossible to manage, control, or influence. Therefore, intractable is the direct opposite of malleable in this list.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Fix the meaning of malleable as easily shaped, bent, or influenced.Step 2: Look for a word that expresses the opposite, that is, something or someone hard to control or resistant to change.Step 3: Recognise that intractable means very difficult to manage, control, or deal with.Step 4: Evaluate teachable; this describes a person who can easily be taught, which is close to being open or flexible, not the opposite of malleable.Step 5: Evaluate manageable and pliable; both describe ease of control or bending, again similar to malleable. Thus intractable is the only valid antonym among the options.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example sentences. A malleable child may accept suggestions easily, while an intractable child refuses to listen and resists every attempt to guide them. Similarly, a malleable metal like gold can be beaten into thin sheets, whereas an intractable material is difficult to shape. If you tried to substitute teachable or manageable as opposites, the sentences would no longer contrast correctly. This confirms that intractable is the antonym being tested.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Teachable suggests that someone can be educated or trained without much difficulty, which is close to malleable in the sense of being open to influence. Manageable means easy to control or handle, again a similar idea. Pliable is almost a synonym for malleable and is often used in the same contexts. Because the question specifically asks for a word opposite in meaning, these similar words cannot be correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse synonym and antonym questions, especially when several options seem friendly or positive. It is important to read the question carefully and to underline phrases like opposite in meaning. Another common error is to be attracted to pliable because it looks similar in concept, but that is exactly why it is a trap here. Training yourself to quickly separate similar and opposite meanings will improve vocabulary accuracy.

Final Answer:
The word that is opposite in meaning to MALLEABLE is INTRACTABLE, so option B is correct.