Langimage
English

expendable

|ex/pend/a/ble|

C1

/ɪkˈspɛndəbl/

not essential

Etymology
Etymology Information

'expendable' originates from the Latin word 'expendere,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'pendere' meant 'to weigh.'

Historical Evolution

'expendere' transformed into the French word 'expendable,' and eventually became the modern English word 'expendable' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to weigh out or pay,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not worth keeping or maintaining.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

considered to be not worth keeping or maintaining; able to be sacrificed or used up.

In the mission, the old equipment was deemed expendable.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45