Eatable vs Edible
What’s the difference between them?
Eatable
Meaning:
capable of being eaten; has some level of flavor.
Examples:
1. Although the cake was a bit dry, it was still eatable with a generous scoop of ice cream.
2. The soup was bland, but after adding some spices, it became quite eatable.
3. Despite its appearance, the overripe banana was still eatable, and it made a delicious smoothie.
Edible
Meaning:
something that is safe to eat.
Examples:
1. It's important to make sure mushrooms found in the wild are edible before consuming them, as some can be poisonous.
2. The menu at the restaurant offered a wide selection of dishes, all made from high-quality and edible ingredients.
3. The chef took great care to use only fresh and edible flowers as garnishes for the dishes.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Eatable
1. Edible
2. Palatable
3. Consumable
4. Fit for ingestion
5. Good to eat
1. Inedible
2. Unpalatable
3. Disgusting
4. Rancid
5. Unconsumable
Edible
1. Palatable
2. Consumable
3. Tasteable
4. Edacious
5. Good enough to eat
1. Inedible
2. Unpalatable
3. Unappetizing
4. Noxious
5. Poisonous
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Eatable", "Edible".
1. 'Eatable' is an adjective that describes something that is capable of being eaten, while 'edible' is an adjective that describes something that is safe to eat.
2. 'Eatable' implies that something has some level of flavor, while 'edible' is generally understood to mean that something is safe to eat even if it may not have flavor.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'eatable'?
Eatable is used to describe something that can be eaten and has some flavor. In most cases, food items that can be consumed safely can be described as eatable. Things like wine, cakes, and other dishes can all be described as eatable.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'edible'?
Edible is used to describe something that is safe to eat. This could include food items, but also other items that are not food in nature. For example, some plants or mushrooms that are safe for human consumption can be described as edible.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words share different pronunciations. The pronunciation for 'eatable' is /ˈiːtəbəl/ while the pronunciation for 'edible' is /ˈedəbəl/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake is confusing the two words when speaking or writing. People tend to forget that 'eatable' is used to describe food that has some flavor, while 'edible' is used to describe food that is safe to eat. Another common mistake is being unsure of the correct pronunciation, especially when the two words have similar phonetic spellings.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. I wouldnt say those berries taste great, but theyre certainly _____.
2. Before consuming wild plants, you should check if they are actually _____.
3. The chef made the dish not just _____, but also delicious.
4. Many plants in the wilderness might not be palatable, but they are still _____.
5. The cake looks odd, but I promise its _____.
6. Just because something is _____ doesnt mean youd want to eat a lot of it.
1. I wouldnt say those berries taste great, but theyre certainly eatable.
Explanation: The emphasis is on the flavor or palatability of the berries, making eatable the appropriate choice.
2. Before consuming wild plants, you should check if they are actually edible.
Explanation: The emphasis is on the safety of consuming the plants, not necessarily their taste. Therefore, edible is the right choice.
3. The chef made the dish not just edible, but also delicious.
Explanation: The sentence contrasts the basic quality of being safe to eat with the higher quality of being delicious. Edible is used to highlight the basic safety of consumption.
4. Many plants in the wilderness might not be palatable, but they are still edible.
Explanation: The sentence contrasts taste (palatability) with safety to eat. The word edible denotes that the plants are safe to eat.
5. The cake looks odd, but I promise its eatable.
Explanation: The implication is about the taste or palatability of the cake despite its odd appearance, making eatable suitable.
6. Just because something is eatable doesnt mean youd want to eat a lot of it.
Explanation: The emphasis is on flavor or taste, suggesting that while it can be eaten, it might not be delicious. Hence, eatable is the correct choice.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.