What is disposable? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of disposable

disposableadjective

dùng một lần

/dɪˈspəʊzəbl//dɪˈspəʊzəbl/

Where does the word disposable come from?

The word "disposable" originated in the late 19th century, combining the prefix "dis-" meaning "away" or "apart" with the verb "pose" meaning "to place" or "to put." Initially, it referred to something that could be "disposed of," meaning thrown away or gotten rid of. As the concept of single-use products gained traction in the early 20th century, "disposable" took on its modern meaning, referring to items designed to be used once and then discarded. This shift was influenced by advancements in mass production and the rise of consumerism.

Vocabulary summary disposable

typeadjective

meaningcan be thrown away; can be sold off (goods...)

meaningtransferable

meaningusable, usable

Example of vocabulary disposablenamespace

meaning

made to be thrown away after use

  • disposable gloves/razors
  • disposable nappies
  • disposable diapers
meaning

(of people or ideas) that you can easily stop employing or thinking about

  • It is completely wrong for corporations to view workers as disposable.
meaning

available for use

  • disposable assets/capital/resources
  • a person’s disposable income (= money they are free to spend after paying taxes, etc.)

Synonyms and related words for disposable

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