changeable

Changeable is an adjective meaning capable of being changed or susceptible to alteration. It applies to physical properties that can be modified, such as weather, materials, or designs, and to intangible things like opinions, plans, or moods that may vary over time. The term conveys variability rather than fixedness.

Spelling and usage: The standard spelling is changeable. “Changable” is generally considered an incorrect variant in both major English varieties. The related noun forms are changeability or changableness; synonyms include mutable, variable, and flexible. Antonyms include constant, fixed, and invariable.

Contexts: In meteorology, a changeable climate or weather pattern indicates variability. In everyday life, people may have changeable plans; in psychology, changeable attitudes reflect evolving beliefs. In technology and engineering, changeable components or settings are designed to be adjustable or reconfigurable, while immutable or invariable elements describe things meant to remain the same.

Origin: Changeable derives from the verb change plus the suffix -able, meaning capable of being changed. The word entered English through Middle English via Old French.