delectable

the word delectable entered english in the late 14th century from old french 'delectable', which itself derived from latin 'delectabilis', meaning 'delightful'. this latin adjective was formed from the verb 'delectare' (to delight, charm), a frequentative form of 'delectere', an archaic variant of 'delicere' (to allure, entice away). the core semantic thread from its latin root is one of allurement and pleasure. over time, the english word specialized to primarily describe something, especially food, that is so pleasing it 'delights' or 'charms' the senses, while retaining a broader, often humorous, application to anything highly enjoyable.

Structure: delect (to delight) + able (capable of being) delect originates from latin 'delectare', meaning 'to delight, charm, please'. the suffix -able is from latin '-abilis', forming adjectives meaning 'capable of, worthy of, or tending to'.