Appetible

/ˈæpɪtəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Something that is desirable, capable of being desired, or worthy of being wanted.

Etymology

From Late Latin 'appetibilis,' derived from 'appetere' (to seek, to desire), which combines 'ad-' (toward) and 'petere' (to strive for). The suffix '-ible' marks something capable of or worthy of the action. This philosophical term was used in medieval English for morally acceptable desires.

Kelly Says

Appetible is the rare philosophical cousin of 'appetizing'—it's what medieval scholars called things that were legitimately worth desiring (as opposed to shameful cravings), showing how deeply appetite was once debated in ethics.

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