Able: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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able

 

[ หˆeษชbษ™l ]

Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'able' originates from the Latin word 'habilis', meaning 'easily handled' or 'fit for'. It entered the English language in the 14th century, evolving to its current usage to describe someone with the power or skill to do something. Over time, 'able' has become synonymous with competence, proficiency, and capability.

See also: ability, disable, enable, inability, unable.

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.