eligibility

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the state of meeting the conditions required to take part in, receive, or be chosen for something

   The agency checks each applicant's eligibility for housing assistance.

2. 2
   noun

   suitability or desirability as a choice, especially as a marriage partner

   His wealth and agreeable manners increased his eligibility as a husband.

From eligible + -ity. Eligible came through French eligible from Medieval Latin eligibilis ('fit to be chosen'), from Latin eligere ('to choose or select'). Eligibility therefore names the condition of being fit for selection; the later marriage sense concerns being considered a desirable choice.

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