A faithful reader provides the secret:
Rule
-ible -able
If the root is not a complete word, add -ible.
aud + ible = audible
Examples:
visible
horrible
terrible
possible
edible
eligible
incredible
permissible
If the root is a complete word, add -able.
accept + able = acceptable
Examples:
fashionable
laughable
suitable
dependable
comfortable
If the root is a complete word ending in -e, drop the final -e and add -able.
excuse - e+ able = excusable
Examples:
advisable
desirable
valuable
debatable
And, this being English, we must note that there are exceptions:
contemptible
digestible
flexible
responsible
irritable
inevitable
The joy this gave me, to know the rule at last: proof, as if more were needed, that I'm peculiar and needed long ago to get a real life.
Accessible.
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