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R E K

I don't know why but I never realized what the fundamental difference was between eatable and edible.

I just realized I've been using the word eatable in all situations.

eatable: able to be eaten, with acceptable taste
edible: safe to eat, regardless of taste

9 comments
Avi Bryant

@rek although I understand the word “eatable” I can’t imagine using it. I think I’d use “appetizing”, or in some contexts just “tasty”.

R E K

@avi "eatable" is more used to say that something can be eaten but that it isn't exceptional, like:
"what do you think of this bread?"
"meh, it's eatable..."

Avi Bryant

@rek interesting. Not a usage I’m familiar with. I definitely have heard people say “edible” in that situation (with the exaggerated implication that edible is the best you can say for it).

rezmason

@rek @avi "How is the food at that restaurant?'

"It's omnomnomnominal"

🍂Evan Balster🍂

@rek huh, I thought they were British and American pronunciations of the word "edible"

wrack

@rek To be frank, 'eatable' is a modern word. 'Edible' has always covered, 'able to be eaten' and 'acceptable taste', with context making its particular meaning clear.

R E K

@ccohanlon I noticed they had slightly different meanings in the dictionary. You're right that it seems to be mostly a context thing.

Earlier today I just thought I was spelling "edible" badly.

Luci ‘O Lantern

@rek i may have to update my
mental dictionary
eatable: able to be eaten regardless of taste or safety
edible: a chocolate or gummy infused with distilled thc

Thomasorus

@rek I thought edible was just for weed related food lol

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