executable
UK[ˈeksɪkjuːtəbl̩]US[ˈeksɪkjuːtəbl̩]
adj
(of a file or program) able to be run by a computer
n
a file that contains a program that can be run by a computer
Morpheme Breakdown
execut
able
execut
carry out
able
capable of
Etymology
The word "executable" is a modern computational term built from the classical verb "execute." Its core, "execut-", originates from the Latin exsequi, a compound of ex- (out) and sequi (to follow), literally meaning "to follow out to the end" or "to carry through." This evolved into the general sense of carrying out a plan or order. The suffix "-able," from Latin -abilis, denotes capability. Thus, the literal construction "capable of being carried out" was logically applied in computing to describe a file containing instructions a machine can carry out to completion, perfectly aligning the ancient root meaning with its modern technical function.
Analysis
Structure: execut (carry out) + able (capable of)
- execut: from Latin exsequi (to follow out, carry out), acting as the core verb root.
- able: from Latin -abilis, a suffix forming adjectives meaning "capable of, fit for".
Examples
The software package includes an executable file named "setup.exe".
Before downloading, ensure the program is executable on your operating system.
The developer compiled the code into a standalone executable.