Words with -able and -ible

Key Notes:-

1. Understanding Suffixes

  • -able and -ible are suffixes added to the end of words to create adjectives.
  • -able and -ible mean “capable of” or “suitable for.”

2. Definitions and Examples

  • -able: This suffix means “capable of” or “fit for.” It often attaches to words that can stand alone.
    • Examples:
      • Readable (capable of being read)
      • Comfortable (providing comfort)
      • Manageable (capable of being managed)
      • Durable (capable of lasting a long time)
  • -ible: This suffix also means “capable of,” but it usually attaches to Latin roots.
    • Examples:
      • Visible (capable of being seen)
      • Audible (capable of being heard)
      • Accessible (capable of being reached or entered)
      • Compatible (capable of working together)

3. Rules for Choosing Suffixes

  • -able is more commonly used and can be added to verbs or nouns to form adjectives.
    • Example:
      • Teach → Teachable (capable of being taught)
  • -ible is less common and is often used with Latin roots. It can also be added to verbs to form adjectives.
    • Example:
      • Decide → Decisible (though this is rare; most words use -able in modern English)

4. Identifying Suffixes

  • Test if a word can be turned into an adjective with -able or -ible.
    • -able: If you can use -able to describe something (like “readable”), it’s usually a good choice.
    • -ible: If the root of the word is from Latin or doesn’t sound right with -able, use -ible.

5. Spelling Tips

  • Watch for spelling changes:
    • -able: The base word remains mostly unchanged.
      • Exception: Change becomes Changeable.
    • -ible: Sometimes the base word may change slightly.
      • Exception: Sensible (from Latin “sensibilis”)

6. Words Ending in “-able”:

  1. Definition: “-able” is a suffix meaning “capable of” or “worthy of”.
  2. Examples:
    • Adaptable: Capable of being adapted or adjusted.
    • Comfortable: Providing comfort or ease.
    • Dependable: Worthy of trust or reliance.
    • Readable: Able to be read or understandable.
  3. Usage Tips:
    • Many “-able” words can be formed by adding “-able” to verbs (e.g., adapt → adaptable).
    • These words often describe qualities or conditions that can be achieved or possessed.

7. Words Ending in “-ible”:

  1. Definition: “-ible” is a suffix meaning “capable of being” or “worthy of being”.
  2. Examples:
    • Audible: Capable of being heard.
    • Edible: Fit to be eaten.
    • Invisible: Not visible or incapable of being seen.
    • Responsible: Worthy of trust or responsibility.
  3. Usage Tips
    • “-ible” words often describe inherent qualities or states.
    • They can also derive from Latin roots (e.g., audire → audible).
    • The meaning is usually related to the ability or potential of something.
List of Words with -able and -ible

Let’s practice!

Pages: 1 2