recoverable
UK[rɪˈkʌvərəbl]US[rɪˈkʌvərəbl]
adj
Able to be regained, retrieved, or restored to a normal state.
adj
(of costs, debts, etc.) Able to be reclaimed or obtained, especially through legal action.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
cover
able
re
again
cover
to get back
able
capable of
Etymology
The word "recoverable" is built upon the verb "recover," which entered Middle English from Anglo-French recoverer, itself derived from Latin recuperare meaning "to get back" or "regain." The Latin root recuperare is thought to combine re- ("back") with a form related to capere ("to take"). The suffix -able, of Latin origin, was attached to form the adjective, shifting the meaning from the action of regaining to the inherent quality of being capable of being regained. Thus, the literal morpheme logic of "again" + "get back" + "capable of" directly informs its modern legal and general senses pertaining to the potential for restoration or reclamation.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + cover (to get back) + able (capable of)
re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
cover: From Anglo-French/Latin recuperare (to get back), with the core morpheme "cover" representing the concept of regaining.
able: From Latin -abilis, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "capable of, fit for, or worthy of".
Examples
The data was corrupted but fortunately it was fully recoverable.
The company is assessing which of the outstanding debts are likely to be recoverable.
The environmental damage from the spill may not be recoverable for decades.