definable
UK[dɪˈfaɪnəbl]US[dɪˈfaɪnəbl]
adj
able to be defined, described, or stated precisely.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
fin
able
de
completely
fin
end, limit
able
capable of
Etymology
the word "definable" is built upon the latin verb definire, meaning "to limit, determine, explain," which itself is composed of the intensive prefix de- and the root finis (end, boundary). the core concept is that to define something is to set conceptual boundaries around it, marking its end or limit from other things. the suffix -able was later attached in english, adapting the latin -abilis, to form an adjective meaning "capable of being bounded or described." thus, the literal morphemic sense of "capable of being completely bounded" evolved into the modern abstract meaning of being able to be stated with precision.
Analysis
Structure: de (completely) + fin (end, limit) + able (capable of)
- de: a latin prefix meaning "completely" or "down". in this word, it functions as an intensifier.
- fin: from latin finis, meaning "end, limit, boundary". it functions as the core root conveying the sense of setting limits or boundaries.
- able: from latin -abilis, a suffix forming adjectives meaning "capable of, fit for, tending to". it indicates the passive quality of being acted upon.
Examples
the concept of beauty is not easily definable.
a clearly definable set of rules is needed for the competition.
the boundary between the two regions is not strictly definable on the map.