serviceable
UK/'sә:visәbl/US
GREC1
Definitions
adj.
Good enough to use, though not excellent; functional
够用的；实用的
adj.
In working order; able to be used
可使用的；能用的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedserviceserve; keep, guard, watch over
+
-ablecapable of, worthy of
=serviceable
service + -able ('able to') = able to give service → fit for use. Note the tone: 'serviceable' usually means 'good enough but not impressive' — a serviceable meal, a serviceable performance. Faint praise, not high praise.
Common Collocations
- 1.perfectly serviceable完全够用的
- 2.serviceable condition可使用的状态
- 3.serviceable equipment堪用的设备
Example Sentences
- 1.
The old car is still perfectly serviceable.
- 2.
Her French is serviceable, enough to get by on holiday.