What does revocably mean?
Revocably is an adverb meaning “in a way that can be revoked,” or “subject to withdrawal or cancellation.” It describes an action or arrangement performed with the understanding that the granting authority may later withdraw it. For example, a privilege may be granted revocably, allowing the grantor to remove it under the applicable rules. The word is more common in legal, administrative, and institutional contexts than in everyday conversation. It is closely related to revocable, the adjective meaning “able to be revoked,” and contrasts with irrevocably, which means that something cannot be withdrawn or undone. Although the meaning is straightforward, revocably is useful when precision matters because it distinguishes a temporary authorization from a final or unconditional commitment.
adverbIn a way that allows a decision, permission, or rule to be withdrawn or annulled.
- In a manner that permits something to be revoked, withdrawn, or cancelled.
"The order was issued revocably, so it could be cancelled if circumstances changed."
"The committee granted access revocably, retaining the right to withdraw it."
"The contract was issued revocably and could be amended without a completely new agreement."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does revocably come from?
The word derives from the Latin revocare, meaning “to call back” or “to summon again,” from re- (“back” or “again”) and vocare (“to call”). In English, the related adjective revocable developed from Latin revocabilis, meaning “capable of being recalled or withdrawn.” Revocably was formed in English as the adverb corresponding to revocable.
How revocably is actually used
Revocably is relatively uncommon and has a formal or legal tone. It is usually used with permissions, licenses, decisions, orders, and other arrangements that can formally be withdrawn.
Easily confused with revocably
Revocable is an adjective describing something that can be withdrawn, while revocably is an adverb describing an action performed in a revocable manner.
Revocably means that something can be withdrawn, whereas irrevocably means that it cannot be changed or withdrawn.