eligible
eligible Lexical Profile
eligible Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having the right to do or obtain something; satisfying the appropriate conditions or requirements to be chosen.
"Full-time employees become eligible for health insurance benefits after ninety days of service."
Desirable or suitable as a partner in marriage, especially by being unmarried, financially secure, and socially attractive.
"As a wealthy young architect, he was widely considered the most eligible bachelor in town."
• noun
A person who meets the necessary qualifications or conditions to be chosen for a position, benefit, or office.
"The civil service commission published a ranked list of eligibles for the upcoming administrative vacancies."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'eligible' (qualified or entitled to be chosen) with 'illegible' (impossible or hard to read).
• Rhymes for eligible
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'eligible', from Late Latin 'eligibilis' (that may be chosen), derived from Latin 'eligere' (to pick out, select), from 'e-' (out) + 'legere' (to choose).