Words Ending in ABLE: Meaning and Spelling Rules
The ending -able often forms adjectives, but modern spelling and meaning are not always predictable from a simple rule.
Clear Explanation
• Readable means able or suitable to be read.
• Reasonable has an established broader meaning beyond ‘able to be reasoned.’
• Some base words drop final E before -able.
• Other words keep a spelling that must be learned as a whole.
• Compare related noun and verb forms in the dictionary.
Examples
The guide is readable and practical.
Several options are available.
The chair is comfortable.
Quick Comparison
comfortable
valuable
Common Mistake
Do not assume every -able adjective can be reversed into a common standalone verb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do -able words describe possibility?
Often, but some have broader established meanings.
How can I check the spelling?
Open the dictionary entry and compare the word family.