What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
referable
Example
The success of the project is referable to the hard work of the team. [referable: adjective]
Example
The error in the report was referable to a miscommunication between departments. [referable: preposition]
traceable
Example
The origins of the language are traceable to several ancient dialects. [traceable: adjective]
Example
The missing package was traced to a delivery error. [traced: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Traceable is more commonly used than referable in everyday language. Traceable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while referable is less common and refers to a narrower range of situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between referable and traceable?
Both referable and traceable are formal words and are typically used in academic or professional contexts.
