Passability: meaning, definitions and examples
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passability
[ ˌpæsəˈbɪlɪti ]
ability to pass
Passability refers to the ability or capacity to be passed or crossed, often used in the context of roads, trails, or barriers. It describes how easily a person, vehicle, or object can move through a given space or area.
Synonyms
accessibility, crossability, traversability
Examples of usage
- The passability of the road is affected by the weather.
- They assessed the passability of the hiking trails before their trip.
- Due to heavy rain, the passability of the river was reduced.
- The passability of the ice on the lake was checked before the skating event.
Etymology
The term 'passability' is derived from the verb 'pass,' which has its roots in the Latin word 'passare,' meaning 'to step or go by.' The construction of the word includes the suffix '-ability,' which denotes the quality or state of being able to do something. The combination reflects a focus on the ease with which movement can occur. Over time, the word has been adopted in various fields, particularly geography and transportation, to describe routes and paths that facilitate movement. The concept of passability is crucial in environmental studies, urban planning, and outdoor activities, where assessing the flow of people and vehicles plays a vital role in safety and infrastructure.