passable

[pas-uh-buhl, pah-suh-]

adjective

1. capable of being passed passed through, beyond, or over; fit to be traversed, penetrated, crossed, etc., as a road, forest, or stream.

2. adequate; acceptable.

   a passable knowledge of French.

   Synonyms: fair, tolerable, allowable, respectable, presentable

3. capable of being circulated legally or having a valid currency, as a coin.

4. capable of being or liable to be ratified or enacted.

   passable legislation.

passable

/ ˈpɑːsəbəl /

adjective

1. adequate, fair, or acceptable

   a passable speech

2. (of an obstacle) capable of being passed or crossed

3. (of currency) valid for general circulation

4. (of a proposed law) able to be ratified or enacted

Other Word Forms

• passableness noun
• unpassable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of passable¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Middle French; pass, -able

Example Sentences

"Most roads are now passable so supplies are now coming in from the city. But immediate supplies like water and food, especially for the children are not yet available," he tells the BBC.

From BBC

The food was OK, alas — a passable brisket burrito, chalky queso, insipid guacamole.

From Los Angeles Times

Humor has also changed, and jokes that may have been passable decades ago are no longer appropriate, experts said.

From Los Angeles Times

England's schedule is mapped out until the end of the home summer in 2027, when Root would be 36 – still a perfectly passable age for a Test batter.

From BBC

To trust that beef, salt, pepper, and a little self-restraint can deliver something not just passable, but sublime.

From Salon

Related Words

• adequate 
• mediocre 
• presentable 
• respectable 
• so-so 
• tolerable