eligible
UK[ˈelɪdʒəbl]US[ˈelɪdʒəbl]
adj
Having the right to do or obtain something; satisfying the appropriate conditions.
adj
Desirable or suitable as a partner in marriage.
Morpheme Breakdown
e
lig
ible
e
out
lig
choose
ible
able to be
Etymology
The word 'eligible' entered English in the late 14th century from the Anglo-French eligible, which itself derived from the Latin eligibilis, meaning "that may be chosen". This Latin adjective is built from the verb eligere, a compound of e- ("out") and legere ("to choose, pick, gather"). The core logic is thus "able to be chosen out (from a group)". Over time, the meaning evolved from the literal sense of being fit to be picked, to the modern abstract senses of being qualified for a position or meeting the criteria for a benefit. The secondary, now somewhat archaic, meaning of "desirable as a marriage partner" retains this original sense of being a choice candidate selected from others.
Analysis
Structure: e (out) + lig (choose) + ible (able to be)
- e: A Latin prefix meaning "out".
- lig: A Latin root from legere, meaning "to choose, to gather".
- ible: A Latin suffix meaning "able to be, worthy of".
Examples
You must be over 18 to be eligible to vote.
Only full-time employees are eligible for the health insurance plan.
In the novel, he was considered the most eligible bachelor in the county.