WordGarden.iopassably
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɑːsəbli/
US
- /ˈpæsəbli/
Meanings
Adverb
to an acceptable but unremarkable degree
Beyond the definition
Imagine trying to bake a cake with limited ingredients. It might not be amazing, but if it is edible and doesn't make anyone sick, you could say it turned out "passably" well. "Passably" describes something that meets the minimum requirements—it is good enough, though perhaps not outstanding.
It suggests a level of quality that allows something to be accepted or tolerated. A student might do passably on an exam, meaning they earned a grade that was acceptable but not impressive. Or someone might say they sing passably well - not professionally, but not terribly either. It is often used when admitting limits while still seeing some value in the result.
"Passably" describes something that is good enough to be accepted or considered satisfactory, even if it is not exceptional. It implies a minimum standard has been met, and while there might be room for improvement, the thing in question isn't failing outright.
The word hints at a judgment call: someone is deciding whether something "passes muster." You would not use "passably" to describe a masterpiece; you would reserve it for things that are merely adequate or acceptable. For example: "He spoke the language passably well, enough to order food and ask for directions." This does not mean he was fluent, just capable of basic communication.
Historically, "passable" (the root word) meant able to be passed or traversed—a passable road was one you could travel on, even if it wasn't smooth. The meaning evolved to describe anything that could "pass" as acceptable.
You might encounter "passably" used with adjectives: "passably clean," "passably accurate," or "passably interesting." It is a subtle word, often suggesting a slightly lukewarm endorsement: something is not great, but it is acceptable and causes no real problem. So, if you want to describe something as just "good enough," "passably" is a very natural fit.
Examples
- 1
Language ability
She speaks Spanish passably, but she still struggles with fast conversations.
- 2
Hotel room
The hotel was old, but the room was passably clean.
- 3
Music skill
I can play the piano passably well, as long as the piece is simple.
- 4
Food quality
The soup was passably good, though it needed more salt.
See also
Similar
- adequately
- acceptably
- satisfactorily
Shades of meaning
- decently
- competently
- tolerably
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- passably well
- passably good
- speak passably
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- passablyadverb