Able: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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able

 

[หˆeษชbษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

capable of

Having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something.

Synonyms

capable, competent, proficient, skilled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
able

This word is typically used to describe someone who has the means or skills to do something.

  • She is able to solve complex math problems
capable

This word is often used when emphasizing someone's ability to do something effectively and efficiently.

  • He is capable of leading the team to success
competent

This word is generally used to describe someone who has the necessary skills and knowledge to do something to a satisfactory standard.

  • The new employee is competent in handling customer queries
skilled

This word describes someone who has a high level of expertise in a particular area, gained through practice and training.

  • The carpenter is skilled in woodwork
proficient

This word is used when someone is very good at something, often due to significant practice and experience.

  • She is proficient in several languages

Examples of usage

  • He is able to speak four languages fluently.
  • She is able to solve complex problems quickly.
  • We must be able to adapt to new situations in order to succeed.
Context #2 | Adjective

being able

Having considerable skill, proficiency, or knowledge in a particular area.

Synonyms

competent, proficient, skilled, talented.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
able

General competence or capacity to perform a task.

  • She is able to complete the project on time
  • He is able to lift heavy boxes
competent

Having the necessary skill or knowledge to do something successfully. Often used in professional or academic settings.

  • The new employee is competent in handling customer inquiries
  • She is a competent programmer
skilled

Having the training or ability to do something well. Often related to manual or practical abilities.

  • She is skilled at carpentry
  • He is a skilled electrician
proficient

High degree of skill or expertise in a specific area. Typically implies advanced ability.

  • He is proficient in multiple programming languages
  • She is proficient in playing the piano
talented

Natural ability or aptitude for something, often in the arts or creative fields.

  • She is a talented artist
  • He is talented at singing

Examples of usage

  • He is a very able lawyer and is known for winning difficult cases.
  • She is an able writer who has published several best-selling novels.
Context #3 | Noun

person who is able

A person with the skill, means, or opportunity to do something.

Synonyms

capable person, competent individual, skilled professional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
able

This word is commonly used to describe someone who has the power or skill to do something. It is a general term and can be used in various situations.

  • She is able to complete the project on time.
  • I am able to help you with your homework.

Examples of usage

  • He is an able in the field of computer programming.
  • The team consists of various ables who contribute their expertise to the project.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'able' comes from the Latin word 'abilis', meaning 'fit' or 'capable'.
  • In Old French, 'able' was used in a similar context around the 14th century, further shaping its usage in English.
  • The evolution of 'able' reflects the linguistic blend of Latin and French influences on the English language.

Psychology

  • Research shows that feeling 'able' enhances self-efficacy, the belief in one's own ability to succeed.
  • Individuals who perceive themselves as 'able' are often more resilient and better at overcoming challenges.
  • Empowerment practices aim to foster the sense of being โ€˜ableโ€™ among individuals, promoting mental well-being and motivation.

Literature

  • 'Able' has appeared in various literary works, often symbolizing a character's strengths or capabilities.
  • In Shakespeareโ€™s plays, characters frequently showcase their 'ability' as a measure of their worth or resolve amid challenges.
  • Modern literature uses 'able' to explore themes of self-discovery and personal development.

Pop Culture

  • The character Superman is often referred to as 'able' because of his superhuman abilities to save the day.
  • 'Able' appears in popular music and films as a motif for empowerment and overcoming obstacles.
  • In many motivational speeches and self-help books, the term 'able' is used to inspire confidence in one's potential.

Translations

Translations of the word "able" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น capaz

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเค•เฅเคทเคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช fรคhig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mampu

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะดะฐั‚ะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zdolny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใงใใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท capable

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ capaz

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yetenekli

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋Šฅ๋ ฅ ์žˆ๋Š”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‚ุงุฏุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ schopnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ schopnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ƒฝๅคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sposoben

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fรฆr

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐะฑั–ะปะตั‚ั‚ั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒœแƒแƒ แƒ˜แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bacarฤฑqlฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ capaz

Word Frequency Rank

With position #317, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.