Word: endurable

Associations

The word "endurable" refers to something that can be tolerated or lasted through, often in the face of difficulty. It suggests resilience or the ability to withstand hardship.

• Example 1: "The climbers faced endurable conditions during their ascent." (Here it means that the climbers could tolerate the harsh weather conditions.)
• Example 2: "Her endurable spirit helped her through tough times." (In this case, it refers to her strength to withstand challenges.)
• Example 3: "The materials used in construction must be endurable to last many years." (This indicates that the materials are strong enough to withstand wear and tear.)

A well-known synonym for "endurable" is "tolerable." The main difference is that "tolerable" often implies something is bearable but not necessarily pleasant, while "endurable" includes the notion of strength in facing difficulty.

Substitution

In place of "endurable," you might consider:

• Tolerable: This suggests that something can be accepted, but it might still be unpleasant.
• Bearable: Implies that something can be endured but may be uncomfortable.
• Sturdy: This would suggest physical strength or durability, but is usually specific to objects.

Deconstruction

The root of "endurable" is "dur," which comes from the Latin "durare," meaning "to last" or "to endure." The prefix "en-" suggests causing to be or making, and the suffix "-able" signifies capability. Together, they form the concept of something that can be made to last or can withstand challenges.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you had to be endurable? What helped you get through?
• In what situations might you describe a situation or person as "endurable"?
• Are there things in your life that you believe are endurable? What makes them so?