Determinable

/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Able to be determined, decided, or found out through investigation or reasoning.

Etymology

From Latin determinabilis, formed from determinare (to set bounds, limit) plus -able. The root Latin determinare comes from de- (completely) + terminare (to limit, from terminus meaning boundary). The suffix -able means capable of or worthy of.

Kelly Says

This word reveals how medieval Latin scholars thought about knowledge—they believed anything could theoretically be figured out if you looked hard enough, which is why 'determinable' became a cornerstone term in philosophy and science.

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