mutable
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “mutable” mean?
adjective.liable to change.
SAT Usage
this term is often found in passages discussing themes of change, adaptability, or evolution, particularly in contexts like science, literature, or philosophy. It emphasizes the inherent instability or variability of a subject, contrasting with terms like "immutable," which suggests permanence and unchangeability.
Common Confusions
Mutable implies a subject's capacity for change, while immutable usually suggests a state of unchangeable permanence.
Do not choose mutable if the context emphasizes stability or permanence rather than being liable to change.
Example Sentences
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Public opinion is mutable and can shift with a single headline.
Word Parts: How to Remember “mutable”
Break “mutable” into its parts: -mut- (change). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Root:
-mut-change (Latin)