adaptable
UK[əˈdæptəbl]US[əˈdæptəbl]
adj
Able to change or be changed in order to deal successfully with new or different situations.
adj
Able to be modified for a new use or purpose.
Morpheme Breakdown
adapt
able
adapt
able
Etymology
The word 'adaptable' is built upon the Latin verb 'adaptare', meaning "to fit to" or "to adjust", itself derived from 'ad-' (to) and 'aptare' (to fit). The suffix '-able', entering English via Old French from the Latin '-abilis', denotes "capable of". Thus, the literal construction means "capable of being fitted to". Over time, this concrete sense of physical fitting evolved into the modern abstract meaning of being capable of adjustment or modification in behavior, form, or function to suit changing conditions.
Analysis
Structure: adapt + able
- adapt: From Latin 'adaptare' (to fit, adjust). A verb-forming root in this construction.
- able: From Latin '-abilis' (capable of, able to be). An adjective-forming suffix indicating capacity or suitability.
Examples
She's a very adaptable person and quickly adjusted to living abroad.
The software is adaptable to a wide range of business needs.
Camels are highly adaptable animals, able to survive in harsh desert environments.