-able

(Latin: a suffix; expressing capacity, fitness to do that which can be handled or managed, suitable skills to accomplish something; capable of being done, something which can be finished, etc.)

A suffix that forms adjectives. The suffix -ible has related meanings; expressing ability, capacity, fitness; capable of, fit for, able to be done, can be done, inclined to, tending to, given to.

This list is only a small sample of the thousands of -able words that exist in English.

distinguishable (adjective), more distinguishable, most distinguishable
1. Capable of being recognized as different or conspicuous: The color black is distinguishable and perceptible against a white surface.
2. Susceptible of being heard or seen under difficult circumstances: The people in the next apartment were having a loud argument, but the words they shouted were not distinguishable and could not be understood.
distrainable (adjective), more distrainable, most distrainable
Disposed to forcing or compelling someone to satisfy an obligation by means of distress: The distrainable chattels of his household were appropriated by the landlord and kept until Jack's unpaid debts on his rent had been paid.
disyllable, dissyllable (noun); disyllables; dissyllables (pl)
A term containing only two syllables: A few examples of disyllables are "merit", "apex", and "study", and each unit includes vowels and consonants.
diversifiable (adjective), more diversifiable, most diversifiable
Inclined to be varied, expanded, or spread out: The diversifiable risks were explained to the prospective buyer, including the fact that such risks do not necessarily involve any further anticipated return.
divorceable (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Able to be legally separated: The couple decided that their marriage was divorceable after realizing that they didn't love each other anymore.
2. Disposed to being disunited: It was evident that the roots of faith were divorceable and could be set apart from the Christian culture.
duplicable (adjective) (not comparable)
Capable of being reproduced or copied: The book supplied duplicable exercise sheets for the teachers to use in class.
durable (adjective), more durable, most durable
1. Characteristic of lasting a long time in spite of hard wear or frequent use: The salesman told Joan that the raincoat she bought was made of very durable material and so it would wear well for years.

Porcelain enamel is a very strong and durable material to use for making expensive dishes, cups, decorations, etc.

2. Referring to something or someone staying strong and in good condition for a significant duration: Jerry was a durable athlete who has helped his football team win many games.
Pertaining to lasting inspite of hard wear and frequent use.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
for a list of additional Mickey Bach illustrations.

dutiable (adjective) (not comparable)
Susceptible to import tax: Susan was't sure if the items in her suitcase were dutiable, or taxable, so she asked the customs officer on duty.
educable (adjective), more educable, most educable
Capable of being educated or taught: Some educable adults are still striving to learn more in their daily lives.

The elderly man is still an educable person despite his age.

electrolyzable (adjective) (not comparable)
Subject to being electrolyzed or decomposed by electricity: The removal of hair roots is electrolyzable by applying an electric current on the roots of the hair.
embraceable (adjective), more embraceable, most embraceable
Inclined to hug someone in one's arms fondly, or to hug each other fondly: Little Mary was so cute and embraceable that her aunt just couldn't resist and clasped her closely.
emittable (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Capable of being discharged or sent forth, as with heat: The light cast by the candles was emittable and threw interesting figures on the ceiling in the room.
2. Susceptible of being expelled or passed off, as with gases: After eating a meal including a lot of garlic, the emitttable odor of the garlic was perceived by all those present!
3. Inclined to be communicated audibly: The emittable barks from the dogs were heard throughout the neighborhood.
employable (adjective), more employable, most employable
Relating to a person who is qualified to work: Merle was quite employable because she had the skills and abilities necessray for being successful in her future job.
enabler (noun), enablers (pl)
1. An individual, or an organization, that permits and supports another person, or establishment, to achieve something: The idea was that the government be an enabler and expedite businesses and commerce and not just as an investor.
2. A person who allows another one to continue with a very bad habit: Thomas had an acquaintance who was an enabler and made it possible for him to maintain his drug consumption.
endurable (adjective), more endurable, most endurable
Tolerable and bearable: Although getting a vaccination is not pleasant, the pain certainly is endurable or can be put up with.

Sometimes hot weather is really not very endurable when the temperature goes up beyond 38°C.