habitable
UK: ˈhæb.ɪ.tə.bəl | US: ˈhæb.ɪ.t̬ə.bəl
adj. suitable or safe for living in
adj. capable of supporting life (e.g., a planet)
habitable = habit<live> + able<capable of>
- habit<live>: From Latin habitare (to live, dwell), derived from habere (to have, hold). The root implies a sustained presence or residence.
- able<capable of>: A suffix from Latin -abilis, indicating capacity or suitability.
Etymology Origin:
The word "habitable" traces back to Latin habitabilis, combining habitare (to dwell) and -abilis (capable of). It originally described places fit for human habitation, later expanding to celestial bodies in scientific contexts. The logic is straightforward: if a place can be "lived in" (habit-), it is "able" (-able) to support life.
The house was old but still habitable after minor repairs.
Scientists search for habitable planets beyond our solar system.
The harsh climate makes the region barely habitable.
After the flood, only the upper floors remained habitable.
Mars may become habitable with future terraforming efforts.