-ably
suffix
UKˈ-ə.bliUSˈ-ə.bli
In a way that is; used to form adverbs from adjectives ending in -able.
Example Sentences
She handled the situation remarkably ably, impressing everyone present.
The project was managed ably by the experienced team.
He completed the assignment ably, showcasing his problem-solving skills.
The musician played the complex piece ably, without missing a single note.
The task was ably performed despite the challenging circumstances.
She ably demonstrated her expertise during the presentation.
The lawyer argued the case ably, leaving the jury convinced.
Ably addressing the audience's concerns, the speaker concluded with a powerful statement.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A suffix meaning 'in a manner that is' or 'capably'.-ably is used to form adverbs from adjectives ending in -able, describing actions performed in a certain manner. For example, 'comfortably' means in a manner that is comfortable, and 'reliably' means in a manner that is dependable. It emphasizes the way in which an action occurs, often highlighting positive qualities or abilities. Typically, -ably is added to the root of the base word by removing the final 'e' from -able and replacing it with -ably.
Alternatives
Alternatives include phrases such as 'in a way that is' or 'capably,' depending on the context. For example, instead of 'comfortably,' you might say 'in a comfortable manner.' Similarly, 'dependably' could be replaced with 'in a dependable way.' Use synonyms or rephrase to suit the tone and clarity of your communication.
Writing
Use -ably adverbs to describe actions succinctly, ensuring clarity and precision in writing. Avoid redundancy by not pairing -ably words with repetitive modifiers. For instance, 'very reliably' is often unnecessary since 'reliably' already conveys a strong meaning. Choose simpler phrases or synonyms when appropriate for a varied writing style.
Casual Conversation
In conversations, -ably words make your speech descriptive yet concise. For example, saying 'They handled it admirably' is more succinct than 'They handled it in a way that is admirable.' These adverbs are effective in both formal and informal settings.
Etymology
The suffix -ably derives from the Latin '-abiliter,' linked to '-abilis.' It gained prominence in English through Middle and Early Modern English, forming a counterpart to -able in adverbial usage. Its adaptability made it a staple in creating descriptive adverbs.