Skip to main content
definability

definability

7.3
A quality that lets something be clearly described or explained
  • noun
  • /ˌdɛfɪˈnəːbɪlɪti/
  • Specialized
translation icon : definibilidad
  • In philosophy, the definability of terms can greatly affect the clarity of arguments.

Examples

  • In The Fetal Position: A Rational Approach to the Abortion Issue (Prometheus 2010), University of Southern Mississippi professor of philosophy and religion Chris Meyers challenges the very definability of that moment.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The definability of mathematical concepts is crucial for clear communication among researchers.

  • Gradually, her interests shifted to computability, particularly the relationship between computability and definability in familiar kinds of mathematical structures: linear orderings, vector spaces, etc.

    Blog text (25)
  • The definability of boundaries in geography helps in understanding regional differences.

Synonyms

definitude
vsdefinability
9.3

A state of being clear and exact so there is no doubt

is about ability to be limited or explained rather than exactness
determinateness
vsdefinability
9.1

A clear and certain quality that makes something predictable

is about being able to be limited or explained instead of predictability
explainability
vsdefinability
4.8

How easy it is for people to understand how something works

means capacity to be limited or stated rather than only explained
representability
vsdefinability
  • Specialized
8.8

The ability to show or express something in a particular form

is about being possible to set limits or explain rather than just form
interpretability
vsdefinability
  • Specialized
8.1

The quality of being able to be shown inside another mathematical or logical system

is the general capacity to be limited or explained rather than technical mapping

Antonyms

A state where you cannot describe something exactly

How Definable

precision
  • Specialized
157 4.2
clarity
152 3.0
definability
  • Specialized
7.3
vagueness
8 6.1

Surface Forms

definability singular

Morphology

definability = definable (transparent) = define + able + ity

Formed from 'definable' + '-ity'; the noun denotes the quality of being able to be defined and is directly predictable from the adjective.

Etymology

Definability is built from define + -able + -ity, and define comes from a root fin that means 'end' or 'limit', the same idea you see in finish and final. So definability is about whether something can be clearly given a 'limit' or explanation, which is why it means the quality of being able to be defined.