fixable
UK[ˈfɪksəbl̩]US[ˈfɪksəbl̩]
adj
Able to be repaired, corrected, or put right.
Morpheme Breakdown
fix
able
fix
to make firm
able
capable of
Etymology
The word 'fixable' is a modern English formation built upon the core verb 'fix'. The verb 'fix' originates from the Latin figere, meaning "to fasten or attach," which itself can be traced to the Proto-Indo-European root dʰeygʷ-, "to stick, set up." The suffix '-able', of Latin origin via Old French, is productively attached to verbs to create adjectives meaning "able to be [verbed]." Therefore, the literal morphemic logic of 'fixable' is "capable of being fastened or set right," which evolved seamlessly into its contemporary abstract meaning of something that can be repaired or corrected.
Analysis
Structure: fix (to make firm) + able (capable of)
- fix: From Latin fixus, past participle of figere (to fasten, fix). The root conveys the sense of making something firm, stable, or attached.
- able: From Latin -abilis, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "capable of, fit for, tending to."
Examples
The software bug is minor and easily fixable.
Fortunately, the damage to the car was fixable with some basic tools.
Some misunderstandings are not immediately fixable and require patience.