sizeable

UK: ˈsaɪzəbl | US: ˈsaɪzəbl

Definition

  1. adj. large enough to be noticeable or significant

  2. adj. fairly large in amount, extent, or degree

Structure
size <extent/measure>able <capable of>
Etymology

sizeable = size<extent/measure> + able<capable of>

  • size (from Old French sise, "assize, regulation," later "dimension," from Latin situs "position, arrangement")
  • able (suffix meaning "capable of," from Latin -abilis via Old French -able)

Etymology Origin:
The word sizeable emerged in the early 18th century, combining size (originally tied to legal measurements or proportions) with the suffix -able to denote "capable of being measured" or "of considerable size." Over time, it shifted from a literal sense of measurability to emphasizing perceptible largeness.

Examples

  1. The company reported a sizeable profit this quarter.

  2. She inherited a sizeable fortune from her grandfather.

  3. A sizeable crowd gathered for the concert.

  4. The project requires a sizeable investment of time.

  5. There was a sizeable delay due to technical issues.