-ably

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See also: ably

English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From -able +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

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Suffix

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-ably

  1. Used to form adverbs corresponding to adjectives that end in -able.
    suitably

Usage notes

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Generally only used to form analogs to adjectives ending in -able, replacing the existing -able. Rather than a distinct suffix, this can be considered a class of euphonic blends of -ble and -ly, as in feebly, nimbly, and nobly, among others. Compare -ability, which is more strictly an analog, originating in parallel borrowings from French, sometimes Latin.

Derived terms

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References

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  1. ^ Laurence Urdang (editor), The Random House College Dictionary (Random House, 1984 [1975], →ISBN), page 4

Anagrams

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