Personable

Pronunciation

Alternative forms

• personible obsolete
• parsonable obsolete

Origin

From Middle English personable, personabil, equivalent to person + -able. Compare Medieval Latin personabilis ("personal"), found in a late 13th century British source. The Middle French personable ("remarkable, important"), doesn't appear until 1528.

Full definition of personable

Adjective

1. (of a person) Having a pleasing appearance or manner; attractive; handsome; friendly; amiable.
• SpenserWise, warlike, personable, courteous, and kind.
• 1822, Sir Walter Scott, The Fortunes of Nigel, ch. 19:I admit him a personable man, for I have seen him; and I will suppose him courteous and agreeable.
• 1908, E. M. Forster, A Room With a View, ch. 12:Barefoot, bare-chested, radiant and personable against the shadowy woods, he called: "Hullo, Miss Honeychurch! Hullo!"
• 1919, Joseph A. Altsheler. The Sun Of Quebec, ch. 5:I'm bound to admit that you're a personable young rascal, with the best manners I've met in a long time.
• 2009, Randy James, "2-Min. Bio: Stephanie Birkitt: Letterman's Lover?," Time, 5 Oct.:Aside from being incredibly funny and personable he is generous, kind and is great fun to play catch with.
2. (legal) Enabled to maintain pleas in court.
3. Having capacity to take anything granted.