ABLE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

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able

[ey-buhl]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

abler, ablest

having necessary power, skill, resources, or qualifications; qualified.
able to lift a two-hundred-pound weight; able to write music; able to travel widely; able to vote.
Synonyms: ,
Antonyms:
having unusual or superior intelligence, skill, etc..
an able leader.
Synonyms: , , ,
showing talent, skill, or knowledge.
an able speech.
Synonyms:
legally empowered, qualified, or authorized.

noun

Usually Able a code word formerly used in communications to represent the letter A.

-able

a suffix meaning “capable of, susceptible of, fit for, tending to, given to,” associated in meaning with the word able, occurring in loanwords from Latin (laudable ); used in English as a highly productive suffix to form adjectives by addition to stems of any origin (teachable; photographable ).

able

/ ˈ��ɪ��ə�� /

adjective

(postpositive) having the necessary power, resources, skill, time, opportunity, etc, to do something
able to swim
capable; competent; talented
an able teacher
law qualified, competent, or authorized to do some specific act

-able

suffix

capable of, suitable for, or deserving of (being acted upon as indicated)
enjoyable
pitiable
readable
separable
washable
inclined to; given to; able to; causing
comfortable
reasonable
variable

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

overable adjective
overably adverb
-ably suffix
-ability suffix

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of able¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin habilis “handy,” equivalent to �󲹲�(ŧ��) “to have, hold” + -ilis adjective suffix; -ile

Origin of able²

Middle English < Old French < Latin -��, equivalent to -��- final vowel of 1st conjugation v. stems + -bilis

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of able¹

C14: ultimately from Latin habilis easy to hold, manageable, apt, from �󲹲�ŧ�� to have, hold + -ilis _-ile

Origin of able²

via Old French from Latin -��, -ī��, forms of -bilis, adjectival suffix

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Synonym Study

Able, capable, competent all mean possessing adequate power for doing something. Able implies power equal to effort required: able to finish in time. Capable implies power to meet or fulfill ordinary requirements: a capable worker. Competent suggests power to meet demands in a completely satisfactory manner: a competent nurse.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

While ICE “was not able to detain as many people as Defendants believe it could have,” it was still able to uphold U.S. immigration law without the military’s help, Breyer ruled.

From

“I have three generations of family here. We came for my family members who can’t come out. We’re able to speak out for them.”

From

While all pregnant women benefited from this law, it now appears that only those with sufficient health care and life circumstances will be able to survive potential emergencies.

From

"We weren't able to access the property - the water was too high for us to safely walk through," he said.

From

You used to be able to write what you’re doing, produce, do post all on the same lot.

From

Related 51�Թ�s

adept��
apt��
capable��
competent��
proficient��
skilled��

ablaze able-bodied

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