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Eligible: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：qualified for something (eligible)
eligible
/ˈelɪdʒəb(ə)l/
adj.
Having the right to do or get something because you meet all the necessary rules or conditions.
qualified for something
➕
/ˈkwɒlɪfaɪd fə(r) ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
adj.
Describes a person or entity that meets the specific requirements or conditions needed to participate in, receive, or be considered for something.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'eligere' (to choose). 'E-' (out) + 'legere' (to pick). Literally 'to pick out'. Now means meeting the criteria to be chosen.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'E-LIKE-able'. If you meet the criteria (e-liked), you are eligible.
📖 Example
After completing the driving course, she became eligible to take the final test.
After completing the driving course, she became qualified to take the final test.
🔗 Collocations
eligible for – meeting the requirements to receive or participate in something
eligible to do – having the right or qualification to perform an action
be eligible – to be qualified based on set criteria
🔄 Synonyms
qualified (adj.) – having the necessary skills, qualities, or meeting the conditions
entitled (adj.) – having a legal right or claim to something
authorized (adj.) – officially allowed or permitted to do something
🚫 Antonyms
ineligible (adj.) – not meeting the requirements; not qualified
unqualified (adj.) – lacking the necessary skills or not meeting the conditions
🌱 Derivatives
eligibility (n.) – the state of being eligible; the qualifications required
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'eligere', used in ancient Rome for those meeting conditions for military service or voting. In modern English, it's frequently used in formal contexts like scholarship applications or government benefit programs to describe qualified candidates.
Meaning 2：desirable as a partner (eligible)
eligible
/ˈelɪdʒəb(ə)l/
adj.
Considered to be a very good choice for marriage, usually because you are attractive, have a good job, etc.
desirable as a partner
➕
/dɪˈzaɪərəb(ə)l æz ə ˈpɑːtnə(r)/
adj.
Describes a person, typically in a social or romantic context, who is considered a very suitable and attractive candidate for marriage or a serious relationship.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
On the dating app, his profile clearly stated he was an eligible bachelor with a stable career and a love for hiking.
On the dating app, his profile clearly stated he was a desirable bachelor with a stable career and a love for hiking.
🔗 Collocations
eligible bachelor – an unmarried man considered a desirable potential husband
eligible suitor – a person who is a suitable candidate for marriage
highly eligible – considered extremely desirable as a partner
🔄 Synonyms
desirable (adj.) – worth having or seeking; attractive
suitable (adj.) – appropriate for a particular purpose or person
sought-after (adj.) – in great demand; wanted by many people
🚫 Antonyms
undesirable (adj.) – not wanted or approved of; not attractive
unmarriageable (adj.) – not considered suitable for marriage
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