Origin: Latin suffix -ible
Eligible has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
One who is eligible.
"Only registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in today's election."
In plain English: There is no such thing as an eligible noun because eligible is only used as an adjective to describe someone who qualifies for something.
"The marriage was eligible, so they were able to receive the government subsidy."
Usage: The word "eligible" is strictly an adjective and cannot function as a noun; therefore, there is no correct way to use it in that grammatical role. Instead, use the noun forms "candidate," "applicant," or simply refer to the person by name when discussing someone who qualifies for something.
qualified for or allowed or worthy of being chosen
"eligible to run for office"
"eligible for retirement benefits"
"an eligible bachelor"
allowed to and meeting the necessary conditions required to participate in or be chosen for something
"After graduating from college, she was finally eligible to apply for the prestigious internship program."
In plain English: Eligible means you meet the necessary requirements to be allowed to do something or take part in an activity.
"You are eligible to vote once you turn eighteen."
Usage: Use eligible to describe someone or something that meets specific requirements to qualify for a benefit, position, or selection process. It implies both permission and fulfillment of necessary criteria, such as being legally allowed to vote or financially qualified for a loan.
The word eligible comes from the Latin verb ēligō, which means to select or choose. It traveled into English through Middle French, retaining its original sense of being worthy of selection.