Appraisable

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Capable of being evaluated in terms of value | Able to be assessed for worth or performance | Permissible to be judged regarding its qualities and effectiveness
2. Possible to be assessed regarding its significance and merit
3. Able to be evaluated concerning its quality and value

Etymology: The term "appraisable" finds its roots in the verb "appraise," which means to assess the value or quality of something. This verb itself comes from the late Latin word "appretiare," which is a combination of "ad-" meaning "to" or "toward," and "pretium," meaning "price" or "value." The journey of this word into English began with its adoption into Old French as "apprécier," before making its way into Middle English in the 14th century. The adjective form, "appraisable," was likely formed in the late 19th century by adding the suffix "-able," which denotes the capability of something being done. This suffix is derived from the Old French "-able," which in turn originates from the Latin "-abilis," meaning "able to be." Thus, "appraisable" literally implies something that can be assessed or evaluated in terms of its worth or significance. Over time, the meaning of "appraisable" has remained relatively stable, focusing on the ability to determine value. It is commonly used in contexts such as real estate, art valuation, and business assessments, where determining worth is a crucial factor. The evolution of this term reflects a broader trend in English to create adjectives that denote capability or possibility, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the processes involved in evaluation and appraisal.

Synonyms: estimable, assessable, valued, calculable

Antonyms: inestimable, priceless