Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Appropriate or acceptable for a particular person, purpose, or situation: Having the right qualities or meeting the necessary conditions for something.
   • Well-matched or fitting: Being a good or proper choice for a given role, use, or occasion.

Usage

The adjective "suitable" is used to describe something that is right or acceptable for a specific need or circumstance. It is often followed by the prepositions "for" or "to." - It is used attributively (before a noun): a suitable candidate. - It is used predicatively (after a linking verb like "be," "seem," "find"): The time was not suitable.

Examples

• General Use:

  • This software is suitable for beginners.
  • They are looking for a suitable venue for the wedding.
  • Is this movie suitable for young children?

• With Prepositions:

  • The candidate's experience is suitable for the job.
  • Her remarks were suitable to the solemn occasion.

Advanced Usage

• "to be suitable as": To be appropriate for a specific role or function.

  • The large hall is suitable as a conference center.

• "to deem/find/consider something suitable": To judge or regard something as appropriate.

  • The committee did not deem the proposal suitable.

Variants and Related Words

• Suitability (n): The quality of being right or appropriate for a purpose.

  • They questioned the suitability of the location.

• Unsuitable (adj): Not appropriate or fitting.

  • The material is unsuitable for outdoor use.

Synonyms

• Appropriate: Especially suitable or compatible.
• Fitting: Being in keeping with the situation.
• Apt: Especially suitable in the circumstances.
• Proper: Correct according to social or moral rules.

Antonyms

• Inappropriate: Not suitable or proper.
• Unsuitable: Not fitting or acceptable.
• Unfit: Not of the necessary quality or standard.

Idioms and Phrases

• A suitable match: Often used to describe a person considered appropriate for marriage or partnership.

  • Her family hoped she would find a suitable match.

• Suitable for framing: Of such high quality or perfection that it deserves to be displayed (often used humorously).

  • Your test score was perfect—it's suitable for framing!

Adjective

1. worthy of being chosen especially as a spouse
   • the parents found the girl suitable for their son
2. meant or adapted for an occasion or use
   • a tractor suitable (or fit) for heavy duty
   • not an appropriate (or fit) time for flippancy