Abilities: meaning, definitions and examples
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abilities
[ əˈbɪlɪtiz ]
in a job application
Skills or talents that an individual possesses, which may be relevant to a specific job or task.
Synonyms
capabilities, skills, talents.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abilities |
General word for what someone can do, often used to describe both physical and mental capacity.
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| skills |
Refers to specific proficiencies or areas of expertise that are often learned or practiced.
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| talents |
Implies a natural or innate ability, often used to describe artistic or creative strengths.
|
| capabilities |
Used often in a more technical or formal setting, focusing on the extent of someone's or something's power or effectiveness.
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Examples of usage
- Her abilities in project management were a key factor in securing the position.
- His technical abilities impressed the interview panel.
in a superhero context
Superhuman powers or skills possessed by a fictional character, typically in comic books or movies.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abilities |
General term for natural talents or capacities to perform specific tasks. Suitable for both general and specific contexts.
|
| powers |
Refers to exceptional or supernatural abilities. Often used when talking about authority or physical/magical strength. Can have a dramatic or mythical connotation.
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| skills |
Specific learned abilities needed to perform tasks effectively. Often used in professional or educational contexts.
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| capabilities |
Often used to describe someone's potential or the extent to which they can perform a task. Frequently used in a technical or professional setting.
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Examples of usage
- Superman's abilities include flight, super strength, and x-ray vision.
- Spider-Man's abilities to climb walls and sense danger make him a formidable hero.
in a general context
The quality of being able to do something, often related to competence or proficiency.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abilities |
This term is generally used to describe a person's physical or mental power to do something. It's a broad term that can encompass both learned skills and natural talents.
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| skills |
This is typically used to refer to specific proficiencies or abilities acquired through training or practice. It often implies a learned aspect rather than innate talent.
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| talents |
This refers to a natural aptitude or gift for something. It implies that the person has an inherent ability that often gives them an edge over others without similar innate abilities.
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| competence |
Use this when referring to someone's skill level and ability to perform job functions or tasks effectively. It's often used in professional or educational settings.
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Examples of usage
- His abilities as a musician are widely recognized in the industry.
- She demonstrated her abilities as a leader during the crisis.
Translations
Translations of the word "abilities" in other languages:
🇵🇹 habilidades
🇮🇳 क्षमताएँ
🇩🇪 Fähigkeiten
- Fähigkeiten
- Möglichkeiten
🇮🇩 kemampuan
🇺🇦 здібності
🇵🇱 umiejętności
🇯🇵 能力
🇫🇷 capacités
🇪🇸 habilidades
🇹🇷 yetenekler
🇰🇷 능력
🇸🇦 قدرات
🇨🇿 schopnosti
🇸🇰 schopnosti
🇨🇳 能力
🇸🇮 sposobnosti
🇮🇸 hæfileikar
🇰🇿 қабілеттер
🇬🇪 უნარები
🇦🇿 bacarıqlar
🇲🇽 habilidades
Etymology
The word 'abilities' originates from the Latin word 'abilitas', meaning 'capability' or 'skill'. Over time, it has evolved to encompass a broad range of skills, talents, and powers, both in real-life contexts and fictional settings. The concept of abilities has been a crucial aspect of human development and accomplishment throughout history, with individuals striving to enhance and showcase their unique capabilities in various fields.