as compared to the asthenosphere, the lithosphere is
The difference between asthenosphere and lithosphere is how the materials in these layers can flow. Rocks in the lithosphere are rigid, meaning that they can bend but they cannot flow. Rocks in the asthenosphere are plastic, meaning that they can flow in response to deformation. Even though it can flow, the asthenosphere is still made of solid (not liquid) rock; you can think of it kind of like Silly Putty.