Extricable - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

difficulty resolving

Extricable refers to something that can be freed from entanglement or difficulty. This term is often used to describe situations or problems that can be resolved or alleviated. It is applicable in contexts where intervention or effort is required to remove obstacles. The term signifies the possibility of untangling or disentangling oneself from an issue, suggesting that resolution is achievable.

Synonyms

removable, resolvable, solvable.

Examples of usage

The crimes and their motivations are extricable from one another.
The theory suggests that social issues are extricable from economic ones.
His emotions were extricable, revealing his inner turmoil.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

In legal discussions, agreements may be labeled as extricable if they can be separated without affecting the entire contract.
The concept is often used in divorce proceedings, where individual assets can be extricated from shared possessions.
Judges may determine certain aspects of a case to be extricable for simplifying legal processes.

Psychology

In therapeutic settings, issues can be extricable when a person learns to separate their identity from their problems.
Cognitive behavioral therapy often teaches patients how to extricate negative thought patterns from their daily lives.
Stressors are often extricable from one’s environment, meaning people can change their surroundings for better mental health.

Environmental Science

In discussions about pollution, contaminants in soil might be referred to as extricable if they can be removed easily.
The concept is important for remediation strategies, where certain pollutants are extricable through physical or chemical processes.
Scientists often study how some species are extricable from their habitats, affecting biodiversity conservation efforts.

Philosophy

Philosophers explore the idea of freedom and whether human beings are extricable from societal norms.
Existentialist thinkers debate the extent to which personal choices are extricable from predetermined factors.
Some argue that identity is not entirely extricable from cultural and social influences.

Origin of 'extricable'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'extricare', meaning 'to release' or 'to free'.
It is formed from two parts: 'ex-' (out of) and 'tricae' (tricks or difficulties).
The evolution of the term dates back to the late 1700s in English literature.

The word 'extricable' originates from the Latin word 'extricabilis', which is based on 'extricare', meaning 'to disentangle' or 'to free'. The prefix 'ex-' means 'out' or 'from', and '-tricabilis' pertains to the ability to be untangled. This term emerged in English around the mid-19th century, retaining its original sense of being able to be disentangled or freed from confusion. It has been used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, particularly in discussions involving complex problems or situations that require resolution. Over time, the usage of 'extricable' has expanded to encompass various fields, including philosophy, psychology, and sociology, wherever there is a need to discuss the feasibility of resolving issues that are intertwined or complex.

Extricable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations