susceptible
Meaning
easily influenced or harmed by something
likely to be affected by a particular condition or problem
capable of undergoing or being affected by a specified action or process
Structure
Usage
young children are particularly susceptible to advertising.
the plant is susceptible to frost damage.
he has a susceptible nature and is easily swayed by flattery.
Etymology
the word susceptible originates from the late latin term 'susceptibilis', meaning "capable, sustainable, liable". this, in turn, derives from the latin verb 'suscipere', a compound of 'sub-' (meaning "from below, up") and 'capere' (meaning "to take"). the literal sense of 'suscipere' was "to take up, to support, to receive", which evolved into the notion of being receptive or open to influence. over time, the meaning shifted from an active "taking up" to a more passive state of "being able to be taken" or "easily affected". the modern english meaning, solidified by the 17th century, emphasizes this passive vulnerability—being easily taken by or subject to external forces, conditions, or emotions.
Analysis
- sus: a prefix from latin 'sub-', meaning "under, below, up from below". in this assimilated form, it indicates a sense of being taken from below or being receptive. - cept: a bound root from latin 'capere', meaning "to take, to seize, to hold". - ible: a suffix from latin '-ibilis', meaning "able to be, capable of", forming adjectives.