What does recommendable mean?
“Recommendable” is an adjective meaning that something is suitable or worthy of being recommended to another person. It commonly suggests that a choice, place, product, or course of action is dependable, attractive, or good enough for general approval. The word can carry a mildly formal tone, so everyday speakers may prefer phrases such as “worth recommending” or “a good option.” It is especially useful when discussing hotels, restaurants, books, films, destinations, services, or other choices that one person recommends to another. Although the meaning resembles “recommended,” the forms are not interchangeable: “recommended” identifies something that has already been recommended, while “recommendable” describes something that could be recommended. The word is more positive and less absolute than “essential” or “indispensable.”
adjectiveCapable of being recommended or considered suitable; worthy of approval or recommendation.
- Suitable or worthy of being recommended.
"The guide offers several recommendable hotels for visitors to the city."
"The museum is a highly recommendable destination for families."
"If you need a dependable supplier, the local hardware store is a recommendable choice."
“Recommendable” means more than merely acceptable: it is good enough to put forward with confidence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recommendable come from?
“Recommendable” was formed in the early 19th century from the English verb “recommend,” which comes from Latin “recommendare,” meaning “to put in charge of another” or “to commend to another.” The Latin word combines the prefix “re-,” indicating back or again, with “commendare,” meaning “to commend or entrust.” English later developed related forms including “recommendation” and “recommender,” while the suffix “-able” gives “recommendable” the meaning “able or fit to be recommended.”
How recommendable is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon word. In everyday English, “good,” “useful,” or “worth recommending” will often sound more natural.
Easily confused with recommendable
“Recommended” describes something that has actually been recommended, whereas “recommendable” describes something that is suitable to recommend.