unbreakable

unbreakable

UK[ʌnˈbreɪkəbl]US[ʌnˈbreɪkəbl]
adj

impossible to break or very strong and resistant to damage.

adj

(of a bond, promise, or law) impossible to violate or destroy.

Morpheme Breakdown

un
break
able
un

not

break

to separate into pieces

able

capable of

Etymology

the word "unbreakable" is a modern english compound formed from native germanic elements combined with a latin-derived suffix. the core verb "break" originates from the proto-germanic brekaną, which itself descends from the proto-indo-european root bhreg- meaning "to break." the negative prefix "un-," also from old english, is a common and productive element for negation. the suffix "-able," entering english via old french from latin -ābilis, denotes capability. thus, the literal construction "not capable of being broken" perfectly captures the modern abstract meaning of extreme durability or inviolability, showcasing english's hybrid nature by blending its germanic core with romance language influences.

Analysis

Structure: un (not) + break (to separate into pieces) + able (capable of) - un: a prefix of germanic origin (old english) meaning "not," used to form negatives. - break: a verb of germanic origin (old english brecan), meaning "to separate into pieces violently." - able: a suffix of latin origin (via old french -able), meaning "capable of, fit for," used to form adjectives.

Examples

the company guarantees its phone screens are made from unbreakable glass.

they shared an unbreakable bond of friendship that lasted a lifetime.

the contract contained an unbreakable clause that protected both parties.