potable
POH-tuh-bul
/ˈpoʊtəbəl/
Safe to drink; drinkable.
Specifically refers to safety and health standards, not just whether it tastes good.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'potare,' which means to drink. This is the same root that gives us 'potion' (a drinkable liquid, often magical) and 'potation' (the act of drinking).
Word relationships
- drinkable: Drinkable is the common, everyday equivalent.
- non-potable: Water that is not safe for human consumption.
- contaminated: Implies the water is unsafe because of specific pollutants.
Commonly confused with
- portable: Portable means easy to carry; potable means safe to drink.
Word family
- potability (noun): The quality of being safe to drink.
Collocations
- potable water
- supply of potable water
- render potable
Example sentences
- "In many remote areas, you must boil the water to make it potable." Travel guide
- "The primary goal after the flood was to restore the supply of potable water." Disaster relief report
Memory hook
Think of a 'Pot' of drinkable water. Safe for the throat.
When not to use
Avoid in casual conversation (just say 'drinkable'); use in contexts of health, safety, or survival.
Fun facts
- Only about 0.007% of all water on Earth is readily available as potable water for human use.
Related words
Explore more words
sanitation, provisions, sustenance, viable, libation, walkable
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