susceptible

Pronunciation: suh-SEP-tih-bul

adjective

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of susceptible

susceptible (adjective): Easily influenced or harmed by external forces or particular conditions, often implying a lack of resistance or a heightened sensitivity.

Example: Children are often more susceptible to infectious diseases due to their developing immune systems.

Best for: intermediate-difficulty vocabulary; learners who already know "vulnerable" or "prone"; GRE Verbal (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence); SAT Reading & Writing (Words in Context).

Origin of susceptible

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: suscipere

Original meaning: to take up, sustain

How it evolved: Originally meant 'capable of receiving or being affected by', evolving to imply sensitivity to external influences or harm.

The word comes from Latin 'susceptibilis', which means 'capable of taking up', derived from 'suscipere' (to take up, sustain).

First known use: 1610s

How to Remember susceptible

Think of 'susceptible' as someone who can be 'sucked' into something easily, like being influenced or harmed.

Synonyms for susceptible

Antonyms of susceptible

  • resistant
  • immune
  • invulnerable
  • impervious
  • insusceptible

susceptible in a Sentence

  1. Children are often more susceptible to infectious diseases due to their developing immune systems.
  2. The committee was susceptible to the charismatic speaker’s persuasive arguments, leading to a unanimous vote in his favor.
  3. Her susceptible nature made her an easy target for the cunning manipulations of those around her.

susceptible in Literature & Culture

The concept of susceptibility often appears in discussions of human psychology, health, and ethics, such as susceptibility to propaganda, peer pressure, or diseases.

Usage Notes

‘Susceptible’ is often followed by the preposition 'to' when indicating the specific influence, harm, or condition (e.g., susceptible to illness). It can carry either neutral or negative connotations depending on context.

Why susceptible Matters for GRE & SAT

This word frequently appears on the GRE to test understanding of nuanced adjectives that describe states of vulnerability or openness to influence.

Word Family

susceptibility (noun)
The state of being likely to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
insusceptible (adjective)
Not easily influenced or affected.
susceptive (adjective)
Capable of receiving impressions or influences.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'susceptible' was first used in English in the 17th century, often in a scientific or medical context.
  • In psychology, 'susceptible' is sometimes used to describe individuals more likely to be hypnotized or influenced by suggestion.
  • The word shares its root with 'susceptibility', a key term in immunology referring to the likelihood of being affected by a pathogen.
  • Sycophant — A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
  • sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
  • sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
  • salubrious — promoting health or well-being
  • salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
  • sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior

More Vocabulary Words Starting with S

  • Sycophant — A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
  • sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
  • sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
  • sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
  • sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
  • salubrious — promoting health or well-being
  • salubrious — promoting health or well-being
  • salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
  • salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
  • sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior