-ably
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See also: ably
English
[edit]Alternative forms
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Pronunciation
[edit]- IPA(key): /əbli/ (unstressed)
Audio (Southern England): (file)
Suffix
[edit]-ably
- Used to form adverbs corresponding to adjectives that end in -able.
- suitably
Usage notes
[edit]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.