Navigatable vs Navigable: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to using the English language, it’s easy to get tripped up on certain words that seem interchangeable. One such example is navigatable versus navigable. So which one is the right word to use?

The proper word to use is navigable, although navigatable is sometimes used as well. Navigable means capable of being navigated, especially by ships or boats. It can also refer to something that can be traveled on or through. Navigatable is not a recognized word in most dictionaries, but it is sometimes used colloquially to mean the same thing as navigable.

Now that we’ve established the difference between these two words, let’s dive deeper into why it’s important to understand their meanings and usage.

Define Navigatable

Navigatable is not a word that is recognized in the English language. It is likely a misspelling of the word navigable, which means capable of being navigated.

Define Navigable

Navigable refers to a body of water or terrain that is capable of being traveled through by boat or other means of transportation. In legal terms, a navigable body of water is one that is considered to be public and open to transportation and commerce.

For a body of water to be considered navigable, it must meet certain criteria. These criteria include:

• Being deep enough to allow for safe navigation
• Having a clear and unobstructed path for navigation
• Being connected to other navigable bodies of water

In addition to bodies of water, certain types of terrain can also be considered navigable. For example, a road or trail that is capable of being traveled by vehicle or foot can be considered navigable.

The term navigable is often used in legal and regulatory contexts, such as in determining ownership and access rights to bodies of water and land.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct word in a sentence is crucial for effective communication. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “navigatable” and “navigable” in a sentence.

How To Use “Navigatable” In A Sentence

“Navigatable” is not a commonly used word in the English language, but it does have a specific meaning. It refers to something that can be navigated or traveled through. Here are some examples of how to use “navigatable” in a sentence:

• The river was no longer navigatable due to the fallen trees.
• The website was not navigatable on mobile devices.
• The maze was difficult to navigate, but still navigatable.

It is important to note that “navigatable” is often misspelled as “navigable.” However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.

How To Use “Navigable” In A Sentence

“Navigable” is a more commonly used word in the English language. It also refers to something that can be navigated or traveled through, but specifically in relation to bodies of water or transportation routes. Here are some examples of how to use “navigable” in a sentence:

• The Mississippi River is one of the most navigable rivers in the United States.
• The canal was made navigable by dredging and widening it.
• The new highway made the area more navigable for commuters.

It is important to use “navigable” correctly in a sentence to avoid confusion or miscommunication.

More Examples Of Navigatable & Navigable Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between navigatable and navigable, it’s helpful to see how they are used in various contexts. Here are some examples of both words used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Navigatable In A Sentence

• The website’s menu was not navigatable and caused frustration for users.
• The app’s interface was not navigatable for individuals with visual impairments.
• The new map feature made the city much more navigatable for tourists.
• Without proper labeling, the warehouse can be difficult to navigate and not navigatable for new employees.
• The complex system was not navigatable without proper training.
• Older websites may not be navigatable on newer devices.
• The labyrinthine building was not navigatable without a map.
• The confusing layout made the mall almost unnavigatable.
• The website’s search function was not navigatable, leading to difficulties finding information.
• The website’s outdated design made it almost unnavigatable for users.

Examples Of Using Navigable In A Sentence

• The river is navigable for large cargo ships.
• The hiking trail is navigable for experienced hikers.
• The new bridge made the river much more navigable for boats.
• The canal was made navigable by dredging and widening it.
• The map made the city much more navigable for drivers.
• The clear signage made the airport much more navigable for travelers.
• The website’s layout was clear and made it navigable for users.
• The new subway system made the city much more navigable for commuters.
• The well-marked paths made the national park navigable for visitors.
• The new GPS system made the roads much more navigable for drivers.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using navigatable and navigable, there are some common mistakes that people make. Here are a few examples of these mistakes, along with explanations of why they are incorrect:

Using Navigatable Instead Of Navigable

One common mistake is using navigatable instead of navigable. While navigatable might sound like a logical variation of navigable, it is actually not a correct word. Navigable is the correct spelling of the word, and it means “able to be navigated.” Navigatable, on the other hand, is not a recognized word in the English language.

Using Navigable When Navigatable Is Intended

Another common mistake is using navigable when navigatable is actually intended. While navigatable may not be a recognized word, it is still used by some people to mean “able to be navigated.” However, it is important to note that navigable has a different meaning. Navigable means “able to be sailed on or through,” and is typically used to describe bodies of water or other waterways.

Not Understanding The Context

One mistake that people often make is not understanding the context in which navigatable or navigable is being used. For example, navigable may be the correct word to use when describing a river or canal, but navigatable may be the correct word to use when describing a website or app. It is important to understand the context in which the word is being used in order to use the correct spelling.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid making these mistakes in the future:

• Always double-check the spelling of navigable before using it in your writing.
• Use navigable when describing bodies of water or other waterways, and navigatable when describing websites or apps.
• Pay attention to the context in which navigatable or navigable is being used, and use the correct spelling accordingly.

Context Matters

Choosing between navigatable and navigable depends on the context in which they are used. The two words are often used interchangeably, but there are situations where one is more appropriate than the other.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between navigatable and navigable might change:

Context	Appropriate Word Choice
Website Design	Navigable
Legal Documents	Navigatable
Outdoor Activities	Navigable
Software Development	Navigatable

When it comes to website design, navigable is the more appropriate choice. This is because website design is all about creating a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. Navigable is a better fit because it implies that the website is easy to navigate and explore.

On the other hand, legal documents are better described as navigatable. This is because legal documents can be complex and difficult to navigate. Navigatable implies that the document can be navigated, but it may require some effort on the reader’s part.

When it comes to outdoor activities, navigable is the more appropriate choice. This is because outdoor activities are often associated with exploring and navigating through different terrains. Navigable implies that the terrain is easy to navigate and explore.

Finally, in software development, navigatable is the more appropriate choice. This is because software can be complex and difficult to navigate. Navigatable implies that the software can be navigated, but it may require some effort on the user’s part.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using navigatable and navigable are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where these rules may not apply. In these cases, it is important to understand the context and usage of these words in order to make the correct choice.

Exception 1: Technical Terminology

In technical writing or within specific industries, there may be a preference for one of these words over the other. For example, in the field of web design and development, the term “navigable” is commonly used to describe a website that is easy to navigate and user-friendly. However, in the context of cartography or geography, “navigatable” may be the preferred term to describe a body of water that is able to be navigated by boats or ships.

Exception 2: Regional Variations

Depending on the region or country in which you are writing, the rules for using navigatable and navigable may differ. For example, in British English, “navigable” is the more commonly used term, while in American English, “navigatable” is more frequently used.

Exception 3: Historical Context

In some cases, the historical context in which these words are used may affect their proper usage. For example, in legal documents or historical texts, the term “navigable” may be used to describe bodies of water that were considered navigable at a certain point in time, even if they are no longer navigable by modern standards.

Exception 4: Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice between navigatable and navigable may come down to personal preference or style. While it is important to adhere to the rules of grammar and usage, there may be cases where one word simply sounds better or fits more naturally within a particular sentence or context.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and usage of navigatable and navigable requires practice. Here are some practice exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in the following sentences:

Sentence	Word Choices
The website’s menu was not __________, making it difficult to find what I was looking for.	navigatable, navigable
The captain had to be skilled in __________ the ship through the treacherous waters.	navigatable, navigable
The hiking trail was well-marked and __________, making it easy to follow.	navigatable, navigable

Answer Key:

• The website’s menu was not navigable, making it difficult to find what I was looking for.
• The captain had to be skilled in navigating the ship through the treacherous waters.
• The hiking trail was well-marked and navigable, making it easy to follow.

Exercise 2: Write A Sentence

Write a sentence using either navigatable or navigable:

• navigatable: The new GPS system is more navigatable than the old one.
• navigable: The river was too shallow to be navigable by large boats.

Explanation: Navigatable refers to the ability to be navigated, while navigable refers to the ability to be sailed or traveled on. In the first sentence, navigatable is used to describe the ease of navigation with a GPS system. In the second sentence, navigable is used to describe the depth of the river and its ability to be sailed on by larger vessels.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between navigatable and navigable, it is clear that the latter is the correct spelling. While navigatable may be used in some contexts, such as in programming languages, it is not recognized as a standard spelling in the English language.

It is important to pay attention to spelling and grammar when communicating in any setting, whether it be professional or personal. Incorrect language use can detract from the credibility of the speaker or writer.

As language is constantly evolving, it is essential to continue learning and staying up-to-date with grammar rules and language use. By doing so, we can communicate more effectively and confidently in any situation.