durable
durable
Pronunciation
/ˈdʒʊə.rə.bəl/
dur: /dʒʊə/
/dʒ/ - the "j" sound as in "judge"
/ʊə/ - a diphthong, similar to the vowel sound in "tour" but often pronounced more like "oo-er"
ra: /rə/
/r/ - the "r" sound
/ə/ - a schwa sound (the unstressed vowel sound, like the "a" in "about")
ble: /bəl/
/b/ - the "b" sound
/əl/ - a syllabic "l" (the "l" sound acts as a vowel in this unstressed syllable)
Word Form Variations
durable (adjective): This is the base form and is used to describe something that can withstand wear, pressure, or damage. Example: "This suitcase is very durable."
durably (adverb): This form modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating the manner in which something is durable. Example: "This fabric is durably constructed."
durability (noun): This is the noun form and refers to the quality of being durable. Example: "The durability of this material is impressive."
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective (durable):
Definition: Capable of withstanding wear, tear, or decay over a significant period; resilient and long-lasting.
Synonyms: long-lasting, resilient, sturdy, robust, tough, enduring, strong, well-built, dependable, reliable.
Antonyms: fragile, delicate, weak, flimsy, brittle, perishable, temporary, short-lived, ephemeral, transient.
Example: "These hiking boots are made of durable leather."
Adverb (durably):
Definition: In a manner that withstands wear, tear, or decay over a significant period; resiliently and long-lastingly.
Synonyms: lastingly, resiliently, sturdily, robustly, toughly, enduringly, strongly, dependably, reliably.
Antonyms: fragilely, delicately, weakly, flimsily, brittly, temporarily, ephemerally, transiently.
Example: "The furniture was durably constructed."
Noun (durability):
Definition: The quality or state of being durable; the ability to withstand wear, tear, or decay over time; resilience and longevity.
Synonyms: resilience, sturdiness, robustness, toughness, strength, endurance, longevity, stability, permanence, dependability.
Antonyms: fragility, weakness, flimsiness, brittleness, perishability, transience, impermanence, instability.
Example: "The manufacturer guarantees the durability of the product."
Examples of Use
Books:
"The author crafted a narrative with durable themes of love and loss that resonated with readers across generations." (Hypothetical example, reflecting common usage)
"He sought a material that was both aesthetically pleasing and durable enough to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions." (Hypothetical example, reflecting common usage)
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"Consumer Reports praised the car's durable engine and its resistance to rust." (Hypothetical example, reflecting common usage)
"The company is known for producing durable and reliable appliances." (Hypothetical example, reflecting common usage)
"Experts recommend investing in durable outdoor furniture that can withstand the elements." (Hypothetical example, reflecting common usage)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
In a product review video on YouTube: "This phone case is incredibly durable; I've dropped it multiple times, and it's still in perfect condition." (Hypothetical example, reflecting common usage)
In a video game, a character might comment: "This armor is surprisingly durable." (Hypothetical example, reflecting common usage)
General Public Discourse:
"They built their house with durable materials, hoping it would last for generations." (Common everyday conversation)
"I'm looking for a durable backpack that can handle the weight of my textbooks." (Common everyday conversation)
"The company has a reputation for producing durable goods." (Common everyday conversation)
10 Famous Quotes Using Durable
“True character is durable, surviving storms that break lesser things.”
“My mentor said success is not about speed but about building something durable.”
“History shows that durable ideas outlast the empires that tried to suppress them.”
“A poet wrote that love is most durable when tested by time.”
“Revolutions endure only when rooted in durable principles, not passing anger.”
“Wisdom teaches us to invest in what is durable, not merely dazzling.”
“A leader earns trust through durable integrity, not momentary charm.”
“Hope is durable when fed daily by courage.”
“Build habits that are durable, for they will shape your destiny.”
“Greatness is durable when crafted with discipline, purpose, and patience.”
Etymology
The word "durable" comes from Latin. Its root is "dūrus," which means "hard" or "lasting." Think of words like "duress" (hardship) or "endure" (to withstand something difficult) – they all share this "dūrus" root.
To "dūrus," the Romans added "-ābilis," which is a suffix that makes adjectives. It roughly translates to "-able" in English. So, "dūrābilis" meant "able to last" or "capable of enduring."
This Latin word "dūrābilis" then made its way into Old French as "durable." From there, it was adopted into English.
The first known use of "durable" in English, according to historical records, was sometime in the 14th century. Its meaning was pretty much the same as the Latin origin: "able to last," "capable of withstanding wear or decay," and "long-lasting." So, even from its earliest use in English, the word has retained its core meaning of something that can endure over time.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Durable
Phrases (not idioms, but common collocations):
Durable materials: This is a common phrase used in construction, manufacturing, and design.
Durable goods: This is a business/economics term referring to goods that are expected to last for a significant period (e.g., appliances, cars).
Durable finish: Used to describe coatings or surfaces that are resistant to wear and tear.
Durable construction: Refers to building or manufacturing methods that ensure longevity.
Idioms with similar meanings (using synonyms):
Built to last: This idiom expresses the idea of durability very effectively.
Stand the test of time: This idiom implies that something has proven its durability through continued use or existence.
Rock-solid: While not directly about physical durability, this idiom conveys a sense of strength and reliability, which are often associated with durability.
Tried and true: This idiom suggests that something has been tested and proven to be reliable and effective over time, implying a kind of durability.
Long-wearing: This phrase directly refers to the ability of something to withstand wear over a long period.
Original phrases (playing with the idea of durability):
Durable memories: Suggests that some memories are particularly strong and lasting.
Durable spirit: Implies a resilient and unyielding character.
Durable legacy: Refers to a lasting impact or contribution.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of durable from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
