What does severable mean?
Severable means capable of being separated, divided, or cut into distinct parts. The word is used particularly in legal and contractual contexts to describe provisions or agreements that can be dealt with independently from the larger whole. For example, a severability clause can preserve the remaining terms of a contract if one provision is later found invalid. In more general contexts, severable may describe anything that can be physically or conceptually divided, although it sounds more technical than words such as separable or divisible. Its legal significance is that a severable part may retain legal force even when another part fails. The word is useful when discussing the distinction between an inseparable unit and a component that can stand apart.
adjectiveCapable of being separated, cut, or divided into parts. In legal contexts, it describes something that can be treated independently from a larger whole.
- Capable of being separated, divided, or cut apart.
"The agreement contained a severability clause, allowing the remaining terms to stand if one provision were ruled invalid."
"The rope was so tightly fastened that it was difficult to see it as severable."
"Courts may enforce the severable portions of a contract even when another provision is invalid."
A contract can be severable: one broken clause need not bring down the entire agreement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does severable come from?
Severable was formed in English by adding the suffix “-able” to sever, a verb meaning “to separate” or “cut apart.” Sever derives through Old French from Latin severare, “to separate,” ultimately associated with Latin severus, meaning “stern” or “severe.” Related English forms include severance, severity, and severe, all reflecting different developments from this Latin source.
Related word forms
How severable is actually used
Severable is formal and relatively uncommon in general speech. It is especially common in legal and contractual language, where it describes a provision, agreement, or relationship that can be treated separately from the whole.
Easily confused with severable
Severable means capable of being separated, whereas severe means very great, intense, or harsh.