susceptible - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
susceptible Word Meanings
- easily influenced or affected
- capable of being acted upon
- vulnerable to disease or harm
susceptible Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
susceptible Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/səˈsɛptɪbəl/
US
/səˈsɛptəbl/
susceptible Word Etymology
susceptible = sus- (under) + cept (taken) + -ible (able to) → Latin 'susceptibilis' → Old French → English. Imagine a sponge under a deluge, easily absorbing anything that comes its way, symbolizing its susceptibility.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Susceptible describes someone or something that is easily influenced, affected, or harmed. It covers people who bend to peer pressure, objects that can be easily damaged, and populations at risk of disease. You can say a person is susceptible to flattery, or a region is susceptible to flooding. The word implies vulnerability without implying total weakness. It is commonly paired with to, as in susceptible to infection or susceptible to harm, and you can say someone is highly susceptible to stress. Learners sometimes confuse it with suspect or with resistant, so pay attention to context and the preposition.
Usage Reminders
- Think of vulnerability in steps: easily influenced, able to be acted on, at risk of harm
- Use with to for specific risks: susceptible to infection, susceptible to disease
- Contrast with resistant when describing immunity or defense
- Do not say 'susceptibled' or 'susceptibly' in this sense
- Keep to the sense of risk rather than strength or sentimentality
- Pair with verbs like be, become, or seem to emphasize state
Common Misconceptions
- Susceptible does not mean weak; it means open to influence or harm.
- Do not say 'susceptible of' — use 'susceptible to'.
- It does not imply permanent vulnerability, just current likelihood.
- You can be susceptible to both positive and negative influences.
- Avoid confusing with 'suspect' or 'sensitive' in all contexts.
Thinking Differences
Fresh learners often mistake susceptible for weak or think it means only emotional influence; English tends to pair it with concrete risks via to, so watch prepositions.
Learning Tips
- Memorize the phrase 'susceptible to + noun' for diseases or influences
- Contrast with 'resistant' to talk about immunity
- Avoid confusing with 'suspect' in pronunciation
- Use in both people and non-human subjects
- Practice with common collocations like 'susceptible to infection' or 'susceptible to flattery'
- Create a mental image of a sponge that easily soaks up anything
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does 'susceptible' mean?
A.Round shape
B.Easily influenced
C.Tasty food
D.Colorful painting
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'susceptible' correctly?
A.He ate the cake, but felt sick later, proving he was susceptible to allergies.
B.The rock looked susceptible, so he used it for cooking.
C.She felt susceptible after exercising too much, leading to increased energy levels.
D.The book was full of susceptible information.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'susceptible'?
A.Vulnerable
B.Resilient
C.Cheerful
D.Confident
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'susceptible'?
A.Open-minded
B.Flexible
C.Immune
D.Curious
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario of being susceptible?
A.The doctor diagnosed the patient as susceptible to the flu.
B.The students were susceptible to the teacher's instructions.
C.The chef's dishes were susceptible to customers' taste buds.
D.The artist's painting was susceptible to the gallery visitors.
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