Words / B1

SOOT-uh-bl/ˈsuːtəbl/

Suitable means right for a particular purpose or person. Suitable for children; a suitable time; suitable clothing. Appropriate is a little more formal; right is everyday; convenient is about ease and location, not always about being proper. Unsuitable is the opposite. Suit (verb) is related: that time suits me. Suitability is the noun in formal adverts.

Meaning

Right for a particular purpose or person.

Examples

• “This film is not suitable for children.”
• “Is this course suitable for beginners?”
• “Those shoes are not suitable for wet weather.”

Good to know

suitable for + person / purpose. Formal: appropriate. Location/ease: convenient. Opposite: unsuitable.

Near in meaning

appropriate

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