acceptably
Meaning
In a satisfactory or adequate manner; to a degree that is good enough.
Structure
Usage
The system performed acceptably under normal conditions.
Her work was judged to be acceptably complete by the reviewer.
He spoke the language acceptably, though with a noticeable accent.
Etymology
The word 'acceptably' is built upon the Latin verb accipere, meaning "to take or receive," which itself derives from ad- (to) and capere (to take). The suffix -able was attached in Old French to form the adjective 'acceptable,' meaning "able to be received or agreed to." The final addition of the adverbial suffix -ly, from Old English -līce, transforms the adjective into an adverb, describing the manner of an action. Thus, the literal progression from "to take to oneself" evolves into the modern sense of performing an action in a manner that is "able to be received" or deemed satisfactory.
Analysis
- accept: From Latin acceptāre, a frequentative of accipere (to take, receive). Functions as the core verb root. - ably: From Latin -ābilis (able to be) via Old French -able, combined with the adverbial suffix -ly. Functions as a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives ending in -able.