OpenEtymology

identifiably

UKaɪˌdentɪˈfaɪəbliUSaɪˌdentɪˈfaɪəbli

Meaning

1adv

in a way that can be recognized or distinguished from others.

Structure

word structure
1
identifi
+
2
ably
in a manner that can be [verb]ed

Usage

the suspect was identifiably tall and wore a distinctive red jacket.

her writing style is so unique that her work is identifiably hers.

the chemical compound is not identifiably different from the natural version under standard tests.

Etymology

the word 'identifiably' is a modern english formation built upon the verb 'identify'. the core 'identifi' stems from the late latin 'identificare', a compound of 'idem' (same) and 'facere' (to make). the suffix '-ably' has a rich journey from the latin adjectival suffix '-abilis', denoting capability, which passed into old french as '-able' and into english, where it further evolved into the adverbial form '-ably'. thus, 'identifiably' literally means 'in a manner capable of being made the same', which semantically evolved into the modern sense of being recognizable or distinguishable based on specific characteristics.

Analysis

Structure
identifi + ably=identifi+ablyin a manner that can be [verb]ed

identifi (from latin 'identificare', meaning 'to make the same', functioning as the verb root) + ably (from latin '-abilis' via old french '-able' and english '-ably', an adverbial suffix meaning 'in a manner that can be [verb]ed').

Identifiably Etymology, Origin & Meaning | wordDNA