-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.
biodegradable (adjective), more biodegradable, most biodegradable
Relating to organic compounds that can be decomposed by natural processes: Environmentally friendly people are interested in using only biodegradable detergents, which can be broken down by biological agents, particularly by bacteria, when washing their clothes or dishes.
Most plastics, for example, are not biodegradable and will remain in the environment for ever!
biodestructable (adjective), more biodestructable, most biodestructable
Capable of being decomposed into harmless elements without endangering the environment: Mrs. Smart told her students in class that some kinds of paper were biodestructable and could be used for wrapping up peelings from carrots, apples, etc.
calculable (adjective), more calculable, most calculable
The capability to be estimated: The risks to be taken in the endeavour were calculable and determinable, and any dangers could be avoided.
capable (adjective), more capable, most capable
A reference to someone who is able to achieve something; skilled, competent: Jesse was capable of lifting 500 pounds with no sweat.
capable, culpable
capable (KAY puh buhl) (adjective)
Having the ability required for a specific task or accomplishment: Blake and Rudy were sure that Tamara was capable of winning the tennis match.
culpable (KUL puh buhl) (adjective)
Deserving of blame or censure as being wrong, evil, improper, or injurious: Neal is more culpable than the others of doing the right thing because he's had more experience than they have had.
The police investigator seemed to be very capable when he brought the charges against the two men stating that they were both culpable for stealing the car.
censurable (adjective), more censurable, most censurable
Regarding a person or something deserving blame or criticism: Thomas was acting very injurious towards his sister and justified his parents in sending him to his room for his censurable behavior.
certifiable (adjective), more certifiable, most certifiable
1. Capable of being authentic, valid, or qualified: Jackie received her graduation certificate as being certifiable after passing all the qualifications and tests successfully.
2. Legally, or medically, declared to be affected by a psychiatric disorder: Sometimes a person can be so deranged mentally and uncontrollable that he or she is certifiable and insane and is committable to a special institution and treated accordingly.
2. Legally, or medically, declared to be affected by a psychiatric disorder: Sometimes a person can be so deranged mentally and uncontrollable that he or she is certifiable and insane and is committable to a special institution and treated accordingly.
chargeable (adjective), more chargeable, most chargeable
1. Suitable to be billed: All the items in the shop are chargeable and must be paid for if they are to be sold.
2. Liable to be held responsible for or accused of something: The state law held Sam to be chargeable for his base and evil behavior.
2. Liable to be held responsible for or accused of something: The state law held Sam to be chargeable for his base and evil behavior.
charitable (adjective), more charitable, most charitable
1. A reference to someone who is mild or tolerant in judging others: Mary is such a charitable person who always speaks kindly of her neighbors.
2. Showing or motivated by sympathy, understanding, and generosity: Lynn's father did many charitable things, including creating a garden for the blind and teaching disabled persons.
3. Characteristic of expressing love and generosity for others: When walking down the street in town, Grace always showed her charitable personality by giving some money to the poor person sitting on the sidewalk.
4. Conveying a generosity in contributions or gifts to relieve the needs of indigent, ill, or helpless people and animals: Tom always provided charitable donations to deprived, destitute or penniless persons.
2. Showing or motivated by sympathy, understanding, and generosity: Lynn's father did many charitable things, including creating a garden for the blind and teaching disabled persons.
3. Characteristic of expressing love and generosity for others: When walking down the street in town, Grace always showed her charitable personality by giving some money to the poor person sitting on the sidewalk.
4. Conveying a generosity in contributions or gifts to relieve the needs of indigent, ill, or helpless people and animals: Tom always provided charitable donations to deprived, destitute or penniless persons.
cherishable (adjective), more cherishable, most cherishable
Something, or someone, having the characteristics of attracting love and affection: The little doll that Mary got for Christmas was such a cherishable present that she always had it by her side, day and night!
circumnavigable (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Relating to the ability to sail or to fly around: The captain of the ship thought that Africa was circumnavigatable by passing by the Cape of Good Hope.
2. Pertaining to the capability of making the circuit of by navigation: The earth is circumnavigable if one has the right aircraft.
3. Concerning the possibility of going or maneuvering around: Ted had to find a circumnavigable way to get through the heavy downtown traffic.
2. Pertaining to the capability of making the circuit of by navigation: The earth is circumnavigable if one has the right aircraft.
3. Concerning the possibility of going or maneuvering around: Ted had to find a circumnavigable way to get through the heavy downtown traffic.
citable (adjective), more citable, most citable
1. That which can be called upon officially or authoritatively to appear, such as before a court: Al was more citable as a witness regarding the robbery at the bank because he was the clerk who was forced to give the thief the money.
2. The ability to quote by way of example, authority, or proof: Sherry was referred to as a citable authority by several noteworthy writers.
3. Capable of bringing forward or calling to the attention of others, especially as an example, proof, or precedent: The coaches found the weather to be a citable reason for canceling the baseball game.
2. The ability to quote by way of example, authority, or proof: Sherry was referred to as a citable authority by several noteworthy writers.
3. Capable of bringing forward or calling to the attention of others, especially as an example, proof, or precedent: The coaches found the weather to be a citable reason for canceling the baseball game.
claimable (adjective) (not comparable)
Descriptive of that which can be owned or possessed: The claimable rights to the words being used by the singer were challenged by a poetess who had written them years before in her book.
classifiable (adjective) (not comparable)
Possessing the faculty of being categorised or catalogued: All the new books on the table are classifiable and to be arranged on correctly on the shelves.
Capable of blocking against entry or passage; having the possibility to shut, lock, or fasten something: The closable windows that were powered with electrical devices were easier to utilize than those that required pulling up or pushing down with one's hands.
