释义 |
-able adjective suffix also -ible \əbəl\ Usage: see Explan Notes Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin -abilis, -ibilis, from -a-, -i- (thematic vowels of various conjugations of verbs) + -bilis capable or worthy of (being acted upon) 1. : capable of, fit for, or worthy of (being so acted upon or toward) — chiefly in adjectives derived from verbs < breakable > < connectible > < eatable > < lovable > 2. : tending to, given to, favoring, causing, able to, or liable to < agreeable > < changeable > < knowledgeable > < peaceable > < perishable > • -a·ble·ness \əbəlnə̇s\ noun suffix -es • -a·bly also -i·bly \əblē, -li\ adverb suffix{ |