indispensable

UK: ˌɪn.dɪˈspen.sə.bəl | US: ˌɪn.dɪˈspen.sə.bəl

Definition

  1. adj. absolutely necessary; essential

  2. adj. unable to be replaced or done without

Structure
in <not>dis <apart>pens <weigh>able <capable of>
Etymology

indispensable = in<not> + dis<apart> + pens<weigh> + able<capable of>

  • in (prefix): Negation, from Latin in- meaning "not."
  • dis (prefix): Separation or reversal, from Latin dis- meaning "apart."
  • pens (root): From Latin pendere (to weigh or pay), reflecting the idea of balancing or valuing.
  • able (suffix): Capability, from Latin -abilis (able to be).

Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin indispensabilis, combining in- (not) + dis- (apart) + pensare (to weigh or consider). Originally, it implied something that could not be "weighed apart" or disregarded—a logical progression to its modern meaning of "essential." The root pens also appears in words like "compensate" (to balance payment) and "expense" (cost weighed out).

Examples

  1. Clean water is indispensable for human survival.

  2. Her expertise made her indispensable to the team.

  3. Technology has become indispensable in modern education.

  4. Trust is an indispensable quality in a leader.

  5. This tool is indispensable for repairing the machine.