demonstrable
Americanadjective
-
capable of being demonstrated or proved.
-
clearly evident; obvious.
a demonstrable lack of concern for the general welfare.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of demonstrable
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin dēmonstrābilis, equivalent to Latin dēmonstrā(re) ( see demonstrate) + -bilis -ble
Explanation
If you can demonstrate to me how something works, then it must be demonstrable. You might think that word should be "demonstratable," but you'd be wrong — that word doesn't exist. Who can say why some words change a little when we change their part of speech. They just do. The verb demonstrate means to show or instruct. The adjective shortens the root to become demonstrable. The steps for buckling a seatbelt must be easily demonstrable, or people will go flying all over the cabin. Demonstrable is often used to refer to the truth of something: if something isn't demonstrable, then we can't really say that it exists, can we?
Vocabulary lists containing demonstrable
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Power Suffix: -able
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President Obama's Farewell Address
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Demonstrable justice to all concerned, rather than subsidy which, while doubtless warrantable to secure the public good, affords less precise basis of legislation at the present time.
From Practical Forestry in the Pacific Northwest Protecting Existing Forests and Growing New Ones, from the Standpoint of the Public and That of the Lumberman, with an Outline of Technical Methods by Allen, Edward Tyson
Demonstrable evidence from many sources is at command to show the progressive change and accumulative power of the lake trade.
From Canada and the Canadians, Vol. 2 by Bonnycastle, Richard Henry
Demonstrable as having a high likelihood's of being so, yes!
From How and When to Be Your Own Doctor by Solomon, Steve
Demonstrable effusion is not uncommon, but is disguised by the overlying tissues.
From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
