English

Alternative forms

• -ibly
• -bly^[1]

Suffix

-ably

1. Used to form adverbs corresponding to adjectives that end in -able.

   suitably

Usage notes

Generally only used to form analogs to adjectives ending in -able, replacing the existing -able. Rather than a distinct suffix, this can be considered a class of euphonic blends of -ble and -ly, as in feebly, nimbly, and nobly, among others. Compare -ability, which is more strictly an analog, originating in parallel borrowings from French, sometimes Latin.

Derived terms

References

1. ↑ Laurence Urdang (editor), The Random House College Dictionary (Random House, 1984 [1975], ISBN 0-394-43600-8), page 4