DictionaryRoot: -ilis
Latin
-ilis
able or suitable to be; connected with
Forms
- -ilis
- -ile — The ending shortened in later borrowings.
Origin
A Latin descriptive ending with older Indo-European relatives.
Note
Ability is one use, not a meaning that fits every word formed with this ending.
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adjective / verb
gentle
JEN-tul/ˈdʒentl/
Being or making mild, calm, or free from harshness.
Etymology
Family or clan membership came to imply noble birth, then the courteous and kind behavior expected of nobility. That behavioral meaning broadened into mildness and lack of harshness, even in things or forces.