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Passable: meaning, definitions and examples

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passable

 

[ ˈpæsəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

quality of being satisfactory or acceptable

Having the ability or quality to be passed or traversed; acceptable in quality or appearance; adequate or satisfactory.

Synonyms

acceptable, adequate, satisfactory, tolerable

Examples of usage

  • The bridge was only passable by foot due to the damage.
  • Although not perfect, his work was passable and met the requirements.
  • The hotel was old but passable for a short stay.
  • The road conditions were barely passable after the heavy rain.
  • She had a passable knowledge of Spanish, enough to hold a basic conversation.
Context #2 | Adjective

quality of being able to be passed or traversed

Capable of being passed, traveled, or crossed; allowing passage or transit.

Synonyms

crossable, crossible, navigable, traversable

Examples of usage

  • The snow had made the trail barely passable.
  • The river was too high to be passable by boat.
  • The road was blocked by fallen trees, making it impassable.
  • The rocks were too slippery to be passable on foot.

Translations

Translations of the word "passable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 transitável

🇮🇳 सतर्क

🇩🇪 passierbar

🇮🇩 dapat dilalui

🇺🇦 прохідний

🇵🇱 przejezdny

🇯🇵 通行可能な (つうこうかのうな)

🇫🇷 praticable

🇪🇸 transitable

🇹🇷 geçilebilir

🇰🇷 통과할 수 있는

🇸🇦 قابل للمرور

🇨🇿 průjezdný

🇸🇰 priechodný

🇨🇳 可通行的 (kě tōngxíng de)

🇸🇮 prehoden

🇮🇸 fær

🇰🇿 өтімді

🇬🇪 გადასვლადი

🇦🇿 keçilə bilən

🇲🇽 transitable

Etymology

The word 'passable' originated from the Old French word 'passable' which means 'capable of being passed'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century. Over time, its usage expanded to describe something that is satisfactory or acceptable. The term has been commonly used in English literature and everyday language to convey the idea of adequacy and traversability.

See also: bypass, impassable, impasse, overpass, passably, passage, passcode, passé, passenger, passer, passing, passingly, passion, passionately, passive, passkey, underpass, unpassability, unpassable.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,705, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.