-able


-able

or -iblesuff.1. Susceptible, capable, or worthy of a specified action: debatable.2. Inclined or given to a specified state or action: changeable.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin -ābilis, -ibilis : -ā- and -i-, thematic vowels + -bilis, adj. suff.]

-able

suffix forming adjectives 1. capable of, suitable for, or deserving of (being acted upon as indicated): enjoyable; pitiable; readable; separable; washable. 2. inclined to; given to; able to; causing: comfortable; reasonable; variable. [via Old French from Latin -ābilis, -ībilis, forms of -bilis, adjectival suffix] -ably suffix forming adverbs -ability suffix forming nouns

a•ble

(ˈeɪ bəl)

adj. a•bler, a•blest. 1. having the necessary power, skill, resources, or qualifications to do something: able to read music; not able to vote. 2. having or showing unusual talent, intelligence, skill, or knowledge: an able leader. [1275–1325; Middle English < Middle French < Latin habilis easy to handle, adaptable =hab(ēre) to have, hold + -ilis -ile1]

-able

a suffix meaning “capable of, susceptible of, fit for, tending to, given to,” associated in meaning with the word able, occurring in loanwords from Latin (laudable); used in English to form adjectives from stems of any origin (teachable; photographable). Compare -ble, -ible. [Middle English < Old French < Latin -ābilis]
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