How Do You Spell OPPOSABLE?

Pronunciation: [əpˈə͡ʊzəbə͡l] (IPA)

The spelling of "opposable" can be explained through its International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription: /əˈpoʊzəbəl/. The first syllable, "ə", represents the schwa sound, a neutral vowel. The stress falls on the second syllable, indicated by the apostrophe after the "ə". The next two syllables contain the "poʊz" sound, which is pronounced like "pose" with a longer "o" sound. The final syllable, "-able", indicates that the word is an adjective meaning "capable of being placed against or applied to something else."

OPPOSABLE Meaning and Definition

1. Opposable is an adjective that describes the characteristic of two body parts or objects being capable of being placed opposite to each other, allowing them to grasp or hold onto things. This term is typically used in the context of describing the anatomical structure of certain animal limbs or appendages, particularly primates like humans.

   For example, opposable thumbs are a defining feature of primates, including humans, which enable them to hold and manipulate objects with precision. This trait distinguishes primates from many other animals, as their thumbs can be rotated and positioned opposite the other fingers. This ability allows for a greater range of movements and flexibility, facilitating various tasks such as tool usage, writing, grasping, and intricate manual operations.

   Opposable can also be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts or qualities that are able to confront or contradict each other. In this sense, it refers to the opposing or contrasting nature of these concepts or qualities, often resulting in conflict or disagreement. This usage examines the capacity of these opposing forces to interact or work against each other in order to generate different viewpoints, arguments, or perspectives.

   Overall, opposable refers to the important physical trait of two body parts or objects being able to oppose each other, as well as the broader concept of opposing or confronting ideas, qualities, or forces.

2. Capable of being opposed or resisted.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for OPPOSABLE

• apposable
• kpposable
• lpposable
• ppposable
• 0pposable
• 9pposable
• ooposable
• olposable
• o-posable
• o0posable
• opoosable
• oplosable
• op-osable
• op0osable
• oppisable
• oppksable
• opplsable
• opppsable
• opp0sable
• opp9sable
• opposabel
• opposablee
• opposabell
• Oposacle

Etymology of OPPOSABLE

The word "opposable" comes from the Latin word "opponere", which means "to place against or opposite". "Opponere" is a combination of the prefix "ob-" meaning "against" or "towards" and "ponere" meaning "to place". The term "opposable" specifically refers to a thumb or finger that can be placed in opposition to the other fingers, allowing for grasping or manipulating objects with precision, and it has been used in this context since the early 19th century.