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Definition of passably

passably

/ˈpæs.ə.bli/
pass · a · bly
Adjective:passable
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passably Lexical Profile

passably Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

To a satisfactory, adequate, or moderately good degree, though not exceptionally well.

Example

"After only a few months of evening classes, he could speak Spanish passably well."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for passably
Antonyms
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• Rhymes for passably

• Nearby Words

pasque flower
pass
passable
passably
passage
passageway
passata

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective "passable" and the adverbial suffix "-ly"; "passable" derives from Old French, from "passer" (to pass), ultimately from Vulgar Latin *passare (to step or walk).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Passably. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/passably
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