Reading Theme:
Payable: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：due to be paid (payable)
payable
/ˈpeɪəb(ə)l/
adj.
Money that is due to be paid, like a bill or debt that needs to be settled by a certain date.
due to be paid
➕
/djuː tə bi peɪd/
adj.
Describes a sum of money, such as a bill, invoice, or debt, that is legally owed and must be paid by a specified date.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'pay' (verb, to give money) + suffix '-able' (capable of being).
💡 Mnemonic
A bill that is 'payable' is able to be paid.
📖 Example
After submitting the project report, the consultant issued an invoice stating the final fee was payable within 30 days of receipt.
Upon delivering the project report, the consultant sent a bill indicating the remaining balance was due for payment within 30 days.
🔗 Collocations
payable on demand – Must be paid immediately when requested.
amount payable – The specific sum of money that is owed.
become payable – To reach the point where payment is due.
🔄 Synonyms
due (adj.) – Requiring immediate payment; owed and expected to be paid.
owing (adj.) – Still to be paid; constituting a debt.
outstanding (adj.) – Not yet paid, settled, or resolved.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
payability (n.) – The quality or state of being payable.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from the Anglo-French 'paiable', itself from the verb 'paier' (to pay). It entered English in the late 14th century to describe debts or sums of money that were due for settlement, reflecting the formalization of commercial transactions in medieval Europe.
Meaning 2：can be paid via (payable)
payable
/ˈpeɪəb(ə)l/
adj.
Can be paid using a particular method, like by credit card or bank transfer.
can be paid via
➕
/kæn bi peɪd vaɪə/
adj.
Indicates the specific methods or channels through which a payment can be made.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The fee for the online course is payable by credit card or PayPal, making it very convenient for international students.
The cost of the digital course can be settled using a credit card or PayPal, which offers great ease for students from abroad.
🔗 Collocations
payable in cash – Can be settled using physical currency.
payable online – Can be paid through an internet platform.
payable by installment – Can be paid through a series of smaller, scheduled payments.
🔄 Synonyms
acceptable (adj.) – Capable of being received as payment; suitable for use in settling a debt.
🚫 Antonyms
unacceptable (adj.) – Not suitable or allowed as a form of payment.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser