Reading Theme:
Available: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：obtainable (available)
available
/əˈveɪləbəl/
adj
When something is there and you can use it easily.
obtainable
➕
/əbˈteɪnəbəl/
adj
Something is present and can be used or obtained easily by anyone who needs it.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'valere' (to be worth), meaning 'to be of use or value'.
💡 Mnemonic
A-VAIL-able: think 'A VAIL (a valley) full of resources ready for you to take.'
📖 Example
The new software update is available for download on the company's website.
The new software update is available for download on the company's website.
🔗 Collocations
readily available – easily obtainable at any time
available resources – resources that can be used when needed
make something available – to provide or offer something for use
🔄 Synonyms
accessible (adj) – able to be reached or used
obtainable (adj) – able to be gotten or acquired
at hand (adj phrase) – within easy reach or ready for use
🚫 Antonyms
unavailable (adj) – not able to be used or obtained
inaccessible (adj) – not able to be reached or used
out of stock (adj phrase) – not available for purchase at the moment
🌱 Derivatives
availability (n) – the state of being able to be used or obtained
unavailable (adj) – not able to be used or obtained
avail (v) – to be of use or benefit
📖 Cultural Story
In modern business English, 'available' is a key term in logistics and scheduling, originating from medieval trade where goods 'availed' the buyer.
Meaning 2：free (to meet) (available)
available
/əˈveɪləbəl/
adj
When a person is free and can meet or help.
free (to meet)
➕
/friː/
adj
A person is not busy and has time to meet, talk, or help someone else.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My doctor is available for an appointment next Tuesday.
My doctor is available for an appointment next Tuesday.
🔗 Collocations
available for a meeting – having free time to attend a scheduled discussion
when are you available? – asking for someone's free time slots
available to help – ready and willing to assist
🔄 Synonyms
free (adj) – not occupied or busy; having time to do something
unoccupied (adj) – not engaged in any activity; idle
reachable (adj) – able to be contacted or met
🚫 Antonyms
busy (adj) – occupied with work or other activities
engaged (adj) – already having a commitment or appointment
unavailable (adj) – not free to meet or help
🌱 Derivatives
unavailable (adj) – not free to meet or help
availability (n) – the state of being free or having time
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