Suffixes like “-able,” “-ible,” and “-ble” transform verbs into adjectives, indicating capability or worthiness. For instance, “wash” becomes “washable,” signifying something that can be washed, and “admire” becomes “admirable,” describing something worthy of admiration. These suffixes are derived from Latin, specifically “-abilis” and “-ibilis,” contributing a richness to the English lexicon.
This morphological process significantly enhances descriptive precision and expressive power. The ability to convey possibility or suitability concisely contributes to clarity and efficiency in communication, whether technical or everyday. Furthermore, understanding the etymology of these suffixes provides insights into word formation and the historical evolution of the language.