passable

/'pɑ:səbl/

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Word: Passable

Part of Speech: Adjective

Basic Meaning: The word "passable" means something is good enough or acceptable, but not excellent. It can also refer to something that can be crossed or traveled over, like a road.

Usage Instructions: You can use "passable" to describe things like work, conditions, or skills that meet minimum standards but don’t exceed them. For example, if a student’s work is decent but not outstanding, you might say it is "passable."

Examples:

1. Average Quality: "Her presentation was passable; it had some good points, but it could have been better."
2. Traveling Over: "The road was damaged by the storm, but it is still passable for cars."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "passable" can be used to describe situations where something is functional but not impressive. For example, "The restaurant's service was passable, but we were expecting more."

Word Variants:

• Noun: "Passability" - the quality of being passable. Example: "The passability of the road depends on the weather."
• Adverb: "Passably" - in a way that is acceptable but not great. Example: "She performed passably well on the exam."

Different Meanings:

1. Acceptable Quality: As mentioned, it refers to something that is adequate but not exceptional.
2. Physical Condition: It can also refer to whether something can be traversed, such as a road or path.

Synonyms:

• Acceptable
• Adequate
• Satisfactory
• Mediocre

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Passable grade" - This phrase refers to a score that is just enough to pass a test or course, but not high enough to be considered good.
• There aren't specific phrasal verbs with "passable," but you might use phrases like "pass by" (to go past something) in a different context.

Summary:

"Passable" is a useful word to describe things that are acceptable and meet basic standards, whether in quality or in terms of physical conditions.

Academic

Adjective

1. about average; acceptable
   • more than adequate as a secretary
2. able to be passed or traversed or crossed
   • the road is passable

Synonyms

• adequate
• fair to middling
• tolerable