If you can’t unlock it, is it really a lock?
both, but not at the same time. words change meaning with context. thats why there often are several definitions of a single word.
almost always “able to be unlocked”. “not able to be locked” is usually “non-lockable” or “not lockable”.
Both definitions refer to the same thing, right? A locked lock is unlockable. It cannot be locked further, AND it can be unlocked.
Vice versa for the unlocked lock.
Depends on the cawntex
Yep. Language can be funny like that. You are either modifying the adjective “lockable” with the prefix “un-”, or you are modifying the verb “unlock” into an adjective by adding “-able” at the end. Words can have multiple definitions, yay!
Locks should always be able to be reversed. Locking something is restricting access, not denying it entirely. You don’t weld a door shut and call it locked.
Poe didn’t write a tale about Fortunato being locked downstairs.
“Sealed”, “buried”, “entombed”, “immured” - all perfectly good terms for closing access to something with the intent of the closure being permanent.
Can we discern via stress?
UNlockable - can be opened.
unLOCKable - cannot be lockedNon-lockable feels like the right term.
‘Un-’ directly implies undoing, an action. ‘Non-’ implies a status, a non-possibility.
That’s my two cents.
Illockable
Are we just making up language rules as we go?
Yes, throughout history, in fact.
And to answer the meme’s question it can have either definition based on the context of usage.
Sokath, his eyes uncoverable.
Curse you! 🙃
The issue is the fact that the opposite action of locking is called unlocking and not something like delocking.
Redminds of the German “umfahren” (run over) which is the exact opposit of “umfahren” (drive around). (First is pronounced with a tiny pause after the second letter; the other is not.)
Even better is “Haare wachsen lassen”. One meaning is letting your hair grow, the other is waxing your hair. Pronounced exactly the same
Why would unlockable mean able to be unlocked?
unlock-able = able to be unlocked
un-lockable = unable to be locked
Thank you. I feel dumb now lol
no need for that, language is weird
Contranyms are fun.
Literally yes, we are.
Cause language is a toolkit to communicate ideas, and a toolkit frozen in glass is a useless toolkit.
You need to swap out that hammer when it starts getting damaged, or put back a screwdriver when you find out you need it again, or add new tools when you find that the tools you have now aren’t fit to purpose.
And sure, there’s some loose screws at the bottom of the bag, but they don’t harm anything, and very occasionally they come in useful.
