What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
passable
Example
The food at the restaurant was passable, but nothing special. [passable: adjective]
Example
I managed to get a passable grade on the exam, even though I didn't study much. [passable: adjective]
adequate
Example
The hotel room was adequate for our needs, but it wasn't very spacious. [adequate: adjective]
Example
Make sure you have an adequate supply of water for the hike. [adequate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adequate is more commonly used than passable in everyday language. Adequate is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while passable is less common and more limited in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between passable and adequate?
Both passable and adequate are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversation. However, adequate may be slightly more formal than passable, as it is often used in professional or academic settings to describe minimum requirements or standards.
