Suffixes are groups of letters we add to the root of the word to form a new word. The list of suffixes in English is long and today we are going to discuss adjectives with the suffix ‘-able’. The suffix ‘-able’ is normally added to verbs to form adjectives that mean ‘capable of’ (read + able = readable – can be read). It can also carry a meaning of suitability and preference (e.g. comfortable, likeable).
Let’s look at some examples of the adjectives with the suffix -able:
CAPABLE
Meaning: having the ability to do something.
- Sara is capable of typing very fast.
- You can’t leave your children home alone all weekend. They’re not capable of taking care of themselves.
AFFORDABLE
Meaning: (can be bought cheaply), cheap enough.
- These holiday arrangements are really affordable. I think I’ll buy one.
- You can find some good and affordable computers in this store.
APPROACHABLE
Meaning: (can be approached easily), friendly and easy to talk to.
- Despite being famous, Larry is very approachable.
- There’s been a terrible storm and some areas are no longer approachable.
AVAILABLE
Meaning: can be bought or used.
- Tickets for the concert are available from the box office.
- Agatha Christie’s books are available in bookshops all around the world.
PREDICTABLE
Meaning: can be predicted easily.
- The ending of the book was totally predictable.
- Clara’s boyfriend is so predictable. He always wants to stay at home and watch football.
EDIBLE
Meaning: can be eaten.
- The root of the vegetable is edible, while the rest of it is not.
- You have to be careful when buying mushrooms because most of them are not edible.
NOTICEABLE
Meaning: can be seen or noticed easily.
- There is a noticeable change in her behaviour after she’d been reprimanded.
- The teacher saw a noticeable improvement in the students’ pronunciation.
RECOGNIZABLE
Meaning: can be recognized easily.
- The voice of the radio star was recognizable to many children.
- Martin’s drawings were instantly recognizable.
VALUABLE
Meaning: worth and useful.
- Sesame is a valuable source of vitamin C.
- The police officer was very grateful for valuable feedback from the citizens.
CONSIDERABLE
Meaning: significant, important.
- Ryan was a considerable man in the music world.
- It took us a considerable length of time to get to our destination.
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