Countable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
countable
[หkaสntษbษl ]
Definition
in grammar
A countable noun is a noun that can be counted or made plural, usually with the addition of -s or -es. Countable nouns can be preceded by numbers or articles such as 'a', 'an', or 'the'.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| countable |
Used to denote nouns that can be pluralized, indicating that their quantity can be measured.
|
| enumerable |
Typically used in more technical or formal contexts, referring to items that can be listed or ordered one by one.
|
| quantifiable |
Used to describe things that can be measured in terms of quantity, often used in scientific, technical, or analytical contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- Apples, cars, and books are countable nouns.
- She has two cats.
- Do you have a pen?
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In mathematics, countable means you can list things in a sequence, like numbers or items you can count.
- Countable sets can be finite or infinite, such as the set of all whole numbers.
- Countability helps in understanding different types of infinities, where some infinite sets can be counted and others cannot.
Linguistics
- In grammar, countable nouns are those you can make plural, like 'dog' becoming 'dogs'.
- Countable nouns often have both singular and plural forms, while uncountable nouns do not (like milk).
- Examples of countable nouns include items like books, chairs, and apples, which can be counted individually.
Philosophy
- Philosophers discuss whether concepts like 'time' are countable or uncountable, influencing theories of existence.
- Countability can lead to discussions about perception, as we often categorize the world based on what can be counted.
- The ability to count also ties into abstract thought, shaping how we understand quantities and quality.
Science
- In biology, organisms in a population can be counted, providing data essential for ecosystem management.
- Chemistry often involves counting atoms and molecules, where certain quantities are observable, making them countable.
- Countability helps researchers quantify experiments, allowing for precise measurements in various scientific fields.
Education
- Teaching children to count focuses on countable items like toys and candies, helping to build fundamental math skills.
- Understanding the difference between countable and uncountable nouns is essential for language learners in mastering English grammar.
- Educators use countable examples to explain concepts like addition and subtraction effectively.
Origin of 'countable'
The term 'countable' originated from the Old French word 'comptable', meaning 'accountable'. In the context of grammar, 'countable' was first used in the 19th century to describe nouns that could be counted or quantified. The concept of countable nouns plays a significant role in English language learning and understanding the distinction between countable and uncountable nouns.
See also: count, countenance, counter, counting, countless, county, discount, encounter, recount, recounted, uncountable.