explainable
UK[ɪkˈspleɪnəbl]US[ɪkˈspleɪnəbl]
adj
able to be explained or understood.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
plain
able
ex
out
plain
make clear
able
capable of
Etymology
the word 'explainable' is a modern english formation built upon the verb 'explain'. the verb itself entered english from latin 'explanare', meaning "to make level, smooth out, or make clear", which is a compound of 'ex-' (out) and 'planus' (flat, clear). the suffix '-able', of latin-french origin, was later attached to create the adjective. thus, the literal morphemic logic moves from the ancient sense of "flattening out" or "laying open" a concept, to the modern abstract meaning of being capable of having its details made clear and understandable.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out) + plain (make clear) + able (capable of)
- ex: a latin prefix meaning "out of, from, thoroughly".
- plain: derived from the latin root 'planus' meaning "flat, clear", which evolved into the english verb 'explain' meaning to make clear.
- able: a suffix of latin origin (via french -able) meaning "capable of, fit for".
Examples
the sudden drop in sales is explainable by the recent economic downturn.
the scientist presented an explainable model that even laypeople could understand.
her frustration was perfectly explainable given the circumstances.