What does tractably mean?
Tractable is an unusual but useful word for saying that something can be handled, understood, or solved in a manageable way. As an adverb, tractably describes the manner of an action or explanation, not the object being managed. It is especially common in mathematics, computer science, and problem-solving contexts, where a problem may be described as tractable and a solution may proceed tractably. The word can also characterize a careful, cooperative way of handling people or material difficulties. Its tone is formal and technical rather than conversational, and tractably is less common than its adjective. Although it can sound awkward when paired with a highly abstract verb, it is useful for emphasizing that complexity has been reduced to something that can be readily managed. The term ultimately recalls the Latin idea of pulling or drawing something into a form that can be handled.
adverbIn a tractable or easily managed manner.
- In a manageable or easily handled manner.
"The instructor explained the proof tractably, anticipating each point of confusion."
"The instructor explained the proof tractably, anticipating each point of confusion."
"She described the behavior of the material tractably, using a clear analogy for the technical process."
Tractable hides a pull: its Latin root, trahere, means “to pull or draw.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tractably come from?
Tractably was formed in English by adding the suffix -ly to tractable. Tractable was borrowed from Latin tractabilis, meaning “manageable” or “able to be handled,” which was derived from trahere, “to pull or draw.” The related English words traction, tractor, extract, and subtract preserve the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How tractably is actually used
Tractably is formal and especially associated with mathematics, computer science, and technical problem-solving. It is less common than the adjective tractable and is often most natural when contrasting an issue's tractability with the manner in which it is handled.
Easily confused with tractably
Tractably is an adverb describing how an action or explanation is carried out, whereas tractable is an adjective describing a problem, material, or situation as manageable.