-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.
vocable (adjective), more vocable, most vocable
Descriptive of a word which can be pronounced or spoken: A vocable term that is uttered with pronounceable sounds rather than for its meaning.
voidable (adjective), more voidable, most voidable
1. That which can be annulled or invalidated: "James was surprised that the contracts were voidable."
2. In law, capable of being made or adjudged to be no longer legally binding.
2. In law, capable of being made or adjudged to be no longer legally binding.
vulnerable (adjective), more vulnerable, most vulnerable
1. A reference to being open to physical or emotional harm; easily hurt, easily wounded: Jackie was quite vulnerable and broke out in tears when friends would mention her late husband who died just a few weeks before.
2. Relating to being unable to resist illness, debility, or physical failure because of physical or psychological weakness: There are some vulnerable people to influenza because they have not been inoculated for the disease.
3. Open to censure or criticism; assailable: Hank's sister has always been vulnerable to criticism.
4. When it is possible that the military can be exposed to an attack or possible damage: While he was in the army, even though James and his fellow soldiers were in a vulnerable situation, they were able to survive an attack by enemy forces.
5. Etymology: from Late Latin vulnerabilis, "wounding"; from Latin vulnerare, "to wound"; from vulnus, vulneris, "wound".
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2. Relating to being unable to resist illness, debility, or physical failure because of physical or psychological weakness: There are some vulnerable people to influenza because they have not been inoculated for the disease.
3. Open to censure or criticism; assailable: Hank's sister has always been vulnerable to criticism.
4. When it is possible that the military can be exposed to an attack or possible damage: While he was in the army, even though James and his fellow soldiers were in a vulnerable situation, they were able to survive an attack by enemy forces.
5. Etymology: from Late Latin vulnerabilis, "wounding"; from Latin vulnerare, "to wound"; from vulnus, vulneris, "wound".
