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definable

definable

6 3.7
A thing you can describe clearly or show its clear limits
  • adjective
  • /dɪˈfaɪnəbl/
translation icon : definible
  • The scientist explained the theory in a way that made the concepts easily definable.
  • definable boundaries
  • clearly definable
  • definable in terms

We know that matter is definable essentially, yeah.

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Examples

  • They're cars that I think had a definable, measurable impact on how we live and think as a people.

  • And there are three clearly definable human figures standing near the Maqi.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • We know that matter is definable essentially, yeah.

  • There are as yet no definable models for women, let alone gifted women.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Honestly, I wish there was a definable moment of inspiration for my book.

    Blog text (15)
  • Typically, homes and neighborhood economies develop into a community's two primary, definable elements.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Her face seemed on the verge of something definable, but for me, it remained unreadable.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • An ambiguous general welfare standard simply cannot protect the public interest with definable, limitable goals, but the police power can.

    Academic text (2001)
  • So I told you the first definable association we can see in these aquatic habitats is its association with algae.

  • The decision to withhold John's care was a definable act with both intent and a soon-to-be-seen effect.

    Fiction book (1993)

Synonyms

understandable
vsdefinable
171 1.6

Clear and easy to see what it means or why someone feels that way

prioritizes exact definition and bounded meaning rather than ease of grasp
comprehensible
vsdefinable
11 3.7

Easy to understand

focuses on clear definitional limits rather than general understandability
intelligible
vsdefinable
8 4.4

Easy to hear and understand

is concerned with exact definition and limits beyond general clarity
explainable
vsdefinable
7 3.8

Easy to understand

is about fixed definition and limits more than explanatory clarity
knowable
vsdefinable
4 4.6

Something you can learn or understand

relates to clear definition and limits rather than mere knowability
explicable
vsdefinable
2 5.5

Something people can understand because there is a clear reason

centres on precise definition and limits rather than causal explanation
describable
vsdefinable
1 2.7

Able to be put into words

stresses clear definition and bounded limits rather than mere wording
interpretable
vsdefinable
1 5.7

Able to be understood or explained

concerns firm definition and boundaries rather than interpretation alone
determinable
vsdefinable
1 6.3

Something you can find or measure exactly

is about clear definition and limits rather than mere identification
specifiable
vsdefinable
1 7.0

Able to be described clearly and in detail

focuses on defining limits and clarity rather than just stating details
expressible
vsdefinable
1 5.3

Able to be put into words or shown by actions

highlights precise definability and limits rather than expression alone
fathomable
vsdefinable
1 4.9

Easy to understand

stresses precise definition and limits rather than mere eventual understanding
apprehensible
vsdefinable
1 7.5

Most people can understand it easily

focuses on clear definitional boundaries rather than general mental grasp
characterizable
vsdefinable
7.0

Able to be described by qualities like color or size

emphasizes clear definitional limits rather than general description
effable
vsdefinable
8.4

Can be expressed in words

focuses on clear limits and definition rather than only verbalizing
comprehendible
vsdefinable
3.7

Easy to understand

is about precise definition and limits, not only comprehension
scrutable
vsdefinable
7.0

Easy to understand

is about setting clear limits and definitions rather than removing mystery

Antonyms

4 6.9

Hard to describe or explain in words

How Definable

exact
901 3.2
well-defined
9 3.7
definable
6 3.7
vague
230 4.6
indefinable
4 6.9

Surface Forms

definable positive

Morphology

definable = define (transparent) = define + able

Productive and regular formation: the verb 'define' plus '-able' straightforwardly yields 'able to be defined'.

Etymology

The word definable comes from the verb define, which comes from Latin parts de- and finire, where finire means 'to limit' or 'end'. Think of words like finish and final that share the same root, so something definable is something you can give clear limits to or explain clearly.