What does harmonizable mean?
Harmonizable is an adjective meaning capable of being harmonized, or brought into agreement, consistency, or compatibility. It describes a possibility rather than the completed act of making things agree: two accounts, proposals, or systems may be harmonizable even if they have not yet been reconciled. The word is related to harmonize, harmony, and harmonious, and carries a somewhat formal, analytical tone. It is useful in discussion of conflicting descriptions, competing interpretations, differing interests, and materials that can be fitted into a common structure. Harmonizable does not mean that something is already harmonious; it indicates that agreement or consistency is achievable. Although less common in everyday speech than compatible or reconcilable, it can provide a precise way to emphasize the possibility of resolving a difference without claiming that the difference has already been resolved.
adjectiveCapable of being harmonized or brought into agreement; able to be made consistent or compatible.
- Capable of being harmonized or brought into agreement.
"The two descriptions are harmonizable, but the editors preferred a shorter single sentence."
"The committee considered the two accounts harmonizable and combined them into a single report."
"Their harmonizable interests eventually led them to work together despite their different backgrounds."
Harmonizable names the quiet possibility that conflicting ideas can be made to fit together.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does harmonizable come from?
Harmonizable was formed in English by combining harmoniz(e) with the suffix -able, meaning capable of being -ed. Its root is the Latin harmonia, borrowed from Greek, associated with fitting together or forming an agreement. The related English forms harmonize, harmony, harmonious, and harmonic all reflect this same tradition of combining elements in agreement.
How harmonizable is actually used
Relatively uncommon and more formal-sounding than the more familiar words compatible and reconcilable. It is especially useful when discussing differences, descriptions, systems, or viewpoints that can be brought into agreement.