Suitable

ˈsuːtəbəl

adjectiveBeginnerCommonLiterature

Definitions

1

Appropriate or right for a situation or occasion.

ˈsuːtəbəl

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Literature

Appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose or occasion.

The weather was not suitable for a picnic.

💡 Simply: If something is suitable, it's a perfect fit for what you need, like the right clothes for a party or the right book for your age. For example, a warm coat is suitable for winter.

👶 For kids: When something is just right for something else, we say it is suitable. Like, a raincoat is suitable for a rainy day!

More Examples

2

This program is suitable for children of all ages.

3

He is not a suitable person for the job.

How It's Used

General Use

"The venue is suitable for a wedding reception."

Business

"This candidate has suitable qualifications for the job."

Everyday Life

"These shoes are not suitable for hiking."

From Middle English *sutable*, from Old French *suable* (capable of following, complying), from *suer* (to follow).

The word 'suitable' gained popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries, often in the context of moral and social appropriateness.

Memory tip

Think of a suit that is the right size and fits well. It is suitable!

suiteablesutiable

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written