-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.
-able (uh buhl; depending on word to which it is attached)
A suffix that forms adjectives from verbs and nouns.
1. That which can be — ed: Enjoyable = that which can be enjoyed.
2. Giving —; suitable for —: Comfortable = giving comfort.
3. Inclined to — ed: Peaceable = inclined to peace.
4. Deserving to be — ed: Lovable = deserving to be loved.
5. Liable to be — ed: Breakable = liable to be broken.
abolishable
Anything which can be annulled, abrogated, or destroyed; such as, a law, a rite, a custom, etc.
abominator
1. Someone who intensely hates or loathes.
2. Anyone who thoroughly detests or abhors.
accountable
1. Subject to the obligation to report, to explain, or to justify something; being responsible; answerable.
2. Capable of being explained; explicable; explainable.
acidifiable
Capable of being converted into, or of combining so as to form, an acid.
acquaintable
Easy to be acquainted with; affable.
adorable
1. Charming, lovable, and usually very attractive.
2. Etymology: from French adorer, "to adore, to worship"; from Latin adorare, "to speak to, to entreat, to ask in prayer, to worship"; from ad-, "to" and orare, "to speak, to pray".
advisable
1. Fit to be advised or to be done.
2. Wise, sensible, or reasonable: "Her doctor told her it was advisable for her to lose weight."
affable
Easy of conversation or address; civil and courteous in receiving and responding to the conversation or address of others; especially, inferiors or equals; accostable, courteous, complaisant, benign.
affirmable
That which can be affirmed or which can be agreed to, verified, or concurred with; to answer positively: "His sister was affirmable when she was asked if she would go with her parents."
agglutinable
Capable of agglutilnation (the process of union in the healing of a wound).
agitable
Capable of being agitated, easily moved, or disturbed.
alienable
1. Transferable to another owner.
2. Capable of being transferred by a legal process to another owner.
alterable
Capable of being changed.
ameliorable
Capable of being ameliorated.
Subscribe to this FREE Focusing on Words Newsletter