drinkable

The word 'drinkable' is a straightforward English formation, combining the native Germanic verb 'drink' with the productive Latinate suffix '-able'. The verb 'drink' originates from the Old English drincan, which has cognates across Germanic languages, all pointing to the core action of consuming liquid. The suffix '-able' entered English via Old French from Latin -abilis, a highly adaptable suffix used to create adjectives meaning "fit for" or "capable of undergoing" the action of the verb. Therefore, the literal morphemic logic of "capable of being drunk" evolved seamlessly into its modern, evaluative meaning describing the quality of water or other liquids as safe and suitable for consumption.

Structure: drink (to consume liquid) + able (capable of being) - drink: From Old English drincan (to swallow liquid, absorb), of Proto-Germanic origin. Functions as the verbal root. - able: From Latin -abilis, a suffix forming adjectives meaning "capable of, fit for, tending to". Functions as a derivational suffix.