Difference Between Eatable and Edible

Difference Between Eatable and Edible

Understanding the Difference: Eatable vs. Edible

Both “eatable” and “edible” are words we use to talk about food and things we can eat. Let’s learn what they mean and how to use them.

History of the Words

The word “edible” comes from the Latin word “edibilis,” which means “fit to eat.” It has been used for a long time in English. On the other hand, “eatable” is more modern and comes from the word “eat.” Both words talk about something we can eat, but they mean slightly different things.

Meaning and Usage

Edible

If something is edible, it means it is safe to eat. It is not poisonous, and it won’t make you sick. We use “edible” to say that it is okay to eat something.

Example Sentences for “Edible”:

• All fruits and vegetables are edible.
• The flowers in this garden are not edible.
• Before eating wild mushrooms, make sure they are edible.
• The cake was old, but it was still edible.
• Plastic is not edible.

Eatable

If something is eatable, it means it is nice to eat. It is tasty and good to eat. We use “eatable” to say that something tastes good or okay.

Example Sentences for “Eatable”:

• The cookies were burnt but still eatable.
• Mom’s soup is always very eatable.
• This bread is so old, it’s barely eatable.
• Even if the cake doesn’t look pretty, it’s very eatable.
• His cooking wasn’t great, but it was eatable.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of “edible” as meaning “okay to eat” because it is safe. Think of “eatable” as meaning “good to eat” because it tastes good. Remember: edible = safe, eatable = tasty.

Summary

“Edible” means safe to eat and used for things that are non-poisonous. “Eatable” means tasty or good enough to eat. Use these words to talk about safety and taste when you speak or write.