Boatable

/ˈboʊtəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Suitable for boating; able to be traveled by boat or capable of supporting boats.

Etymology

From 'boat' plus the adjective-forming suffix '-able,' which means 'capable of being' or 'suitable for.' The suffix comes from Latin '-abilis.'

Kelly Says

Words ending in '-able' often hide a historical power dynamic: 'eatable' means 'suitable for being eaten,' which assumes someone will eat it. 'Boatable' water is water that exists to be boated on—the suffix subtly reveals a usage-centered worldview.

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