Stable means not likely to change, move, or fall over. It can describe something physically steady, like a table, or emotionally and financially steady, like a person or situation.
From Old French “estable,” from Latin “stabilis” meaning “firm, steadfast,” from a root meaning “to stand.” The idea is something that stands in place without collapsing or shaking.
The mental picture behind ‘stable’ is very physical: something standing solidly on the ground. That’s why we use it for moods and money too—if your emotions or income are ‘stable,’ they’re not constantly falling over.
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