adjective

stable

stable, steady, firm

The patient is in a stable condition.

The patient is in a stable condition.

It's important to have a stable government.

It's important to have a stable government.

This ladder doesn't feel very stable.

This ladder doesn't feel very stable.

(attributive) firmly fixed or not likely to change He has a stable job.

(predicative) in a state that is not likely to change The building is very stable.

Synonyms: steady, secure, firm, balanced; Antonyms: unstable, unsteady, wobbly

From Latin 'stabilis', meaning 'firm, steady', which comes from 'stare', meaning 'to stand'.

Think of something that is able to 'stand' firmly without falling over. The noun 'stable' (for horses) shares the same root.

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