Why does a liquid take the shape of its container while keeping the same volume?

A liquid takes the shape of its container while maintaining a constant volume because of its unique molecular structure, which sits between the rigid order of a solid and the complete randomness of a gas.12

In a liquid, molecules are packed closely together—similar to a solid—which gives the substance a high density and ensures that it retains a fixed volume. However, unlike the fixed crystal structure of a solid, the molecules in a liquid are not locked into place; they possess enough thermal energy to remain in constant motion and move past one another.123

Because these molecules are free to move but remain held together by intermolecular forces, the liquid can flow and conform to the shape of any vessel it occupies. While the particles are influenced by attractive forces that keep them in the liquid state, they lack the strong spatial order required to maintain a specific shape, allowing the substance to adapt to its container while its overall volume remains stable.1423