Avowable

/əˈvaʊəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Capable of being avowed or openly declared; acceptable or defensible to acknowledge openly.

Etymology

Formed from 'avow' plus the suffix '-able' meaning 'capable of being,' this adjective was created to describe things that could be righteously claimed or admitted.

Kelly Says

The existence of 'avowable' versus 'unavowable' reflects a medieval and Renaissance concern with honor and reputation—what could you openly claim in polite society versus what had to be hidden?

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