eligible
adj. · n.-
1 meeting requirements (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatehaving the right qualifications or meeting the rules to participate in something.
meeting the stipulated requirements or conditions to participate in a programme, hold a position, or receive a benefit.
ExampleYou are eligible for a student discount if you show your university ID.
ExampleOnly citizens who have resided in the country for at least five years are eligible to apply for this specific category of government grant.
UsageCommonly followed by the preposition 'for' plus a noun, or 'to' plus an infinitive verb.
PitfallHe is eligible to the scholarship.He is eligible for the scholarship.Use 'eligible for' followed by a noun, or 'eligible to' followed by a verb.
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2 desirable for marriage (adj.) C1 Advanced Formalconsidered to be a good choice for a husband or wife because of wealth, status, or personality.
regarded as a desirable or suitable candidate for marriage, typically due to social standing, wealth, or personal attributes.
ExampleIn the old novel, he was described as the most eligible bachelor in the city.
ExampleThe local aristocracy viewed the young count as a highly eligible match for their daughters, given his vast estates and impeccable reputation.
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3 a qualified person (n.) C2 Proficiency Formal Technicala person who meets the requirements for something.
an individual who satisfies the necessary conditions or criteria for a specific status or benefit.
ExampleThe department sent a letter to all eligibles explaining how to claim their benefits.
ExampleThe agency maintained a comprehensive list of eligibles who had passed the initial screening process for the overseas assignment.
UsageUsually appears in administrative or legal contexts, often in the plural.
From Middle French eligible, from Latin eligibilis, from ēligō (“select, choose”).