Surmountable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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surmountable

[sərˈmaʊntəbəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

overcome obstacles

Capable of being overcome or surmounted; not insurmountable.

Synonyms

achievable, attainable, doable, feasible, manageable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surmountable

Used when describing challenges or obstacles that can be overcome with effort.

  • The mountain seemed difficult, but it was surmountable.
achievable

Used when talking about goals or targets that can be reached through effort and planning.

  • With hard work and dedication, this goal is achievable.
attainable

Often used in the context of goals or objectives that are realistic and within reach.

  • A college degree is attainable if you put in the necessary effort.
doable

Informal setting, suggesting a task or project is possible to complete.

  • The project looks complicated, but it's doable.
feasible

Used to describe plans or ideas that are practical and can be implemented.

  • Creating a sustainable garden is a feasible project for our community.
manageable

Refers to tasks or situations that are within one's ability to control or handle.

  • Don't worry about the load; it's quite manageable.

Examples of usage

  • Despite facing many challenges, the team believed the task was surmountable.
  • The surmountable difficulties did not deter him from pursuing his goals.
Context #2 | Adjective

able to climb

Capable of being ascended or climbed.

Synonyms

ascendable, climbable, scalable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surmountable

Used to describe something challenging that can be overcome, often used metaphorically for obstacles or difficulties.

  • The financial crisis was surmountable with the right measures.
  • After discussing the issue, they realized it was surmountable and began formulating a plan.
climbable

Used to describe something that can be physically climbed, often referring to trees, walls, rocks, or playground structures.

  • The tree in the backyard is very climbable.
  • They were looking for a climbable rock face for their weekend adventure.
ascendable

Used to describe a slope or surface that can be ascended, typically used in the context of physical terrain like hills or mountains.

  • The hill is steep but ascendable with the right equipment.
  • They found a section of the mountain that was more ascendable.
scalable

Used to describe something that can be scaled (climbed), often used in the context of walls or physical structures, but also metaphorically in business and technology.

  • That cliff is scalable with the right climbing gear.
  • The software is highly scalable, ideal for growing companies.

Examples of usage

  • The surmountable peak attracted many experienced climbers.
  • She found joy in conquering surmountable heights.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Having a mindset that challenges are surmountable can boost one's resilience and determination.
  • Studies suggest that people who view obstacles as surmountable are more likely to succeed in their endeavors.
  • Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of believing that barriers can be overcome for personal growth.

Education

  • In educational settings, emphasizing that problems are surmountable can improve students' confidence and academic performance.
  • Teachers often encourage students to view challenging subjects as surmountable to foster a growth mindset.
  • The idea of surmountability plays a crucial role in problem-solving strategies taught in classroom environments.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often face surmountable challenges that they must overcome to achieve their goals, symbolizing personal growth.
  • Songs about overcoming struggles often reference surmountable battles, illustrating resilience in the face of adversity.
  • Literature frequently uses surmountable obstacles to show character development and the journey of the hero.

Science

  • The concept of surmountability is used in physics to explain how certain forces can be overcome, like gravity during flight.
  • In environmental science, challenges related to climate change are often discussed as surmountable with the right innovations and policies.
  • Medical studies indicate that overcoming health issues can often be surmountable with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.

Origin of 'surmountable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'surmonter,' meaning to 'climb over or beyond.'
  • It is formed by combining 'sur-' (over) and 'monter' (to climb), illustrating the concept of overcoming obstacles.
  • The term emerged in English usage around the early 15th century.

The word 'surmountable' originated from the verb 'surmount' which comes from the Old French word 'surmonter', meaning 'to rise above'. It first appeared in English in the 15th century. The prefix 'sur-' means 'over' or 'above', while 'mount' comes from the Latin 'mons, mont-' meaning 'mountain'. Thus, the word carries the idea of overcoming obstacles or climbing heights.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,065, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.