Pacable

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Describing a temperament that is easy to calm and reassure
2. Tending to be gentle and unlikely to become upset or angry
3. Able to be handled without causing disturbance or agitation

Etymology: "Pacable" is a formation from the Latin verb "pacare," meaning "to pacify" or "to make peaceful," which itself comes from "pax," "peace." The English suffix "-able," which denotes capability or susceptibility, was attached to that verb stem, so the word describes someone or something capable of being pacified. In other words, a pacable person is one who can be soothed or brought back to calm. The word is a straightforward combination rather than a coinage with a notable story. Its meaning follows directly from its parts: the Latin root supplies the idea of peace, and the suffix supplies the sense of being open to that peace.

Synonyms: calmable, placable

Antonyms: unpacable, irritable