Definition

The quality of being able to be counted or numbered.

Example

In mathematics, the countability of a set determines whether its elements can be matched with the natural numbers.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about the concept of countability in math?

Not really, what does it mean?

It refers to whether a set can be counted or not, like how we count apples or oranges.

Oh, that makes sense! So some things are just infinite and can't be counted.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Countability → It is formed from "count" (from Old French *conter*, meaning to tell or recount) and "-ability" (from Latin *abilitas*, meaning capability). The word "countability" refers to the capability of being counted or enumerated.

Memory Tip

Think of the ability to 'tell' or 'recount' something ('count') and how that relates to being able to measure or enumerate it ('-ability').

Visually Confused Words