Collectible

Part of speech: noun, adjective

Pronunciation: /kəˈlɛktɪbəl/

Definitions

1. An item prized for its rarity or significance attracts collectors who value it for its uniqueness or nostalgia
2. Objects valued for their distinctiveness or historical importance are often acquired by individuals with a passion for collecting
3. An item deemed valuable due to its rarity, cultural significance, or unique characteristics is sought after by enthusiastic collectors who cherish it for sentimental or aesthetic reasons

Etymology: "Collectible" is a plain formation: the verb "collect" with the suffix "-ible," meaning "able to be." The suffix has a long ancestry. It descends from Latin "-bilis" and "-ibilis," which passed into Old French as "-ible" and then into Middle English, so English speakers were adding this ending to verbs for centuries before "collectible" appeared. Its underlying sense is simply "capable of being collected." The verb "collect" itself goes back to Latin "colligere," meaning "to gather together," built from "com-" ("together") and "legere" ("to gather or choose"). The "legere" root is also behind "select" and "lecture," so "collectible" shares ancestry with words that seem unrelated at first glance.

Synonyms: collectable, curio, keepsake, souvenir, memorabilia

Antonyms: disposable, common, worthless, unremarkable