Sizable

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈsaɪzəbəl/

Definitions

1. Exhibiting a notable or ample dimension or magnitude
2. Characterized by an extent that is considerable and easily perceived
3. Having a fairly large extent or quantity that is clearly noticeable

Etymology: "Sizable" is simply "size" with the suffix "-able" attached, and the suffix is where the story lies. "-able" descends from Latin "-abilis", which meant "capable of being" or "able to be", as in "amabilis" (lovable). It reached English by way of Old French "-able" and Middle English "-able", so it is an old and productive ending, and English has attached it to countless verbs and nouns over the centuries. Here, though, the suffix is joined to a noun, which is unusual. "Size" itself came into English from Old French "sise", a word meaning an assessment or fixed amount, and it was only later that "size" came to mean physical bigness. Forming "sizable" from that noun produced an adjective meaning roughly "of a size that can be considered substantial," which is how the word still reads today.

Synonyms: considerable, substantial, significant, ample, moderate

Antonyms: insignificant, small, tiny, minimal, negligible