comfortable

UK: ˈkʌmftəbl | US: ˈkʌmfɚtəbl

Definition
  1. adj. providing physical ease and relaxation

  2. adj. free from stress or anxiety

  3. adj. (of clothing or furniture) designed for practicality and ease

Structure
comfort <strengthen, soothe>able <capable of>
Etymology

The word "comfortable" originates from the Old French conforter (to strengthen, console), derived from Latin confortare (con- "with" + fortis "strong"). The suffix -able (from Latin -abilis) denotes capability. Originally, "comfort" implied strengthening or consolation (e.g., moral support), but by the 18th century, it shifted to emphasize physical ease, especially in furnishings and clothing. The morpheme comfort retains its core idea of alleviation, while -able extends it to "capable of providing ease."

Examples
  1. The sofa is so comfortable that I fell asleep instantly.

  2. She wore comfortable shoes for the long walk.

  3. After a stressful day, a hot bath feels incredibly comfortable.

  4. The hotel room was spacious and comfortable.

  5. He settled into a comfortable routine after retirement.