pemboleh

Pemboleh is a Malay term formed from the root boleh meaning "able" or "can," with the agentive prefix pe- and the suffix -an. It yields a noun that can be glossed as "the enabler" or "the one who makes something possible." In standard Malay dictionaries, pemboleh is not a common entry, and its use tends to appear in linguistic discussions or stylistic/academic writing rather than in everyday speech.

Etymology and morphology: The form derives from the verb or adjective boleh with the agentive prefix pe- that marks a doer or maker, and the suffix -an that often forms nouns denoting a thing or person associated with the root meaning. The related verb membolehkan means "to enable" or "to permit." Pemboleh thus functions as the nominal counterpart to the concept of enabling.

Usage and context: When used, pemboleh can refer to policies, technologies, practices, or individuals that enable outcomes. It is more likely to be found in theoretical or policy discourse than in ordinary conversation. In many contexts, speakers prefer terms such as pemangkin (catalyst), penyokong (supporter), or pemudahcara (facilitator) to convey a similar sense.

Examples: Infrastruktur digital berfungsi sebagai pemboleh kemajuan ekonomi. Saya melihat latihan kemahiran sebagai pemboleh utama dalam meningkatkan peluang kerja.

Notes: Pemboleh should not be confused with boleh (able) or membolehkan (to enable); pemboleh is a nominal form indicating an enabler. Its exact usage may vary by dialect and author, and it remains relatively rare in everyday Malay.