governable
UK[ˈɡʌvənəbl̩]US[ˈɡʌvərnəbl̩]
adj
able to be controlled or directed
Morpheme Breakdown
govern
able
govern
to rule
able
capable of
Etymology
the word 'governable' is built upon the latin verb 'gubernare', which originally meant to steer or pilot a ship. this nautical term was metaphorically extended in latin to mean directing the affairs of state, much like steering a vessel. the suffix '-able', derived from latin '-abilis', is attached to verbs to create adjectives indicating a passive capacity or susceptibility. therefore, the literal construction "capable of being steered" evolved into the modern abstract sense of being capable of being controlled, directed, or ruled.
Analysis
Structure: govern (to rule) + able (capable of)
govern (from latin 'gubernare', meaning to steer, direct, rule; functional role: verb root) + able (from latin '-abilis', forming adjectives meaning 'capable of, fit for'; functional role: adjective-forming suffix)
Examples
the rebellious province was not easily governable.
he believed that human passions were governable by reason.
a small, cohesive community is often more governable than a vast, disparate one.