dispensable
|dis-pen-sa-ble|
C1
/dɪˈspɛnsəbl/
Not necessary
Etymology
Etymology Information
'dispensable' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'dispensabilis,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'pendere' meant 'to weigh.'
Historical Evolution
'dispensabilis' transformed into the French word 'dispensable,' and eventually became the modern English word 'dispensable' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'able to be weighed apart,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not necessary or essential.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not necessary or essential; able to be done without.
In times of budget cuts, some positions may be considered dispensable.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41