Gebruikbare

Gebruikbare is a Dutch adjective that denotes something that can be used or is fit for use. In standard Dutch, the more common and widely accepted form is bruikbaar, with bruikbare as the usual inflected form before a noun. Gebruikbare is therefore generally considered a less common or nonstandard spelling variant of bruikbaar/bruikbare.

Etymology and meaning

Gebruikbare is formed from the base meaning of use, gebruik, combined with the suffix -baar, which yields the sense “able to be used.” The core idea is identical to bruikbaar, which is the more established word for describing practicality or utility.

Usage and nuance

In contemporary usage, bruikbaar is the preferred adjective when describing objects, information, or resources that can be used effectively. Gebruikbare appears far more rarely and is typically encountered in older texts, regional varieties, or as a spelling error in modern writing. When clarity and standard correctness are important, writers tend to choose bruikbaar (or bruikbare, depending on agreement with the noun).

Synonyms and related terms

- Bruikbaar (usable, practical)

- Toepasbaar (applicable)

- Geschikt (suitable)

See also

- Gebruik (use)

- Bruikbaar

- Toepasbaar

Notes

While both woorden share the same core meaning, bruikbaar remains the normative form in Dutch dictionaries and style guides. Gebruikbare is best avoided in formal writing unless quoting a historical text or analyzing language variation.

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