passible
|pas-si-ble|
🇺🇸
/ˈpæsɪbəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈpæsɪb(ə)l/
capable of suffering
Etymology
'passible' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'passibilis', where 'pass-' (from 'pati') meant 'to suffer' and the suffix '-ibilis' meant 'able'.
'passible' changed from Late Latin 'passibilis' into Old French 'passible' and then into Middle English 'passible', eventually becoming the modern English word 'passible'.
Initially, it meant 'able to suffer'; over time the basic sense remained but usage narrowed and became more technical (especially theological).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
capable of suffering or of being affected by pain, emotion, or influence; susceptible.
The philosopher described humans as passible beings who respond to joy and sorrow.
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Antonyms
Adjective 2
in theological or philosophical contexts: capable of suffering or being moved by passions (often contrasted with 'impassible').
Medieval theologians debated whether God could be considered passible.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/06 12:17