Suitable: Definition, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：appropriate (suitable)

suitable 🔊

/ˈsuːtəbəl/

adj.

Right or acceptable for a particular person, purpose, or situation.

Person choosing suitable shirt for occasion in closet

appropriate 🔊

➕

/əˈproʊpri.ət/

adj.

Describes something that is right or acceptable for a specific person, situation, or purpose.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

suit- (to fit) + -able (capable of being)

💡 Mnemonic

Suitable: a suit that fits is suitable.

📖 Example

Before buying hiking boots, make sure they are suitable for the rocky mountain trails you plan to explore. 🔊 Before buying hiking boots, make sure they are suitable for the rocky mountain trails you plan to explore.

🔗 Collocations

suitable for – appropriate for a particular purpose

suitable to – appropriate for a specific task

suitable candidate – a person who meets the requirements

🔄 Synonyms

appropriate (adj.) – suitable or proper in the circumstances

fitting (adj.) – appropriate for a particular occasion or purpose

proper (adj.) – correct or suitable for a specific purpose

🚫 Antonyms

unsuitable (adj.) – not appropriate for a particular purpose

inappropriate (adj.) – not suitable or proper

improper (adj.) – not correct or suitable

🌱 Derivatives

suitability (n.) – the quality of being suitable

suitably (adv.) – in a suitable manner

unsuitable (adj.) – not suitable

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'suitable' evolved from the idea of 'fitting together' like a suit of clothes. In modern English, it is frequently used in formal contexts like job descriptions or product specifications to indicate compatibility.