Enable: meaning, definitions and examples

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enable

 

[ ɪˈneɪbl ]

Context #1 | Verb

technology

To make something possible or to allow something to happen.

Synonyms

authorize, empower, facilitate, permit

Examples of usage

  • Enabling the new feature will improve the user experience.
  • Please enable cookies in your browser settings to access the website.
  • The software update will enable better compatibility with older devices.
Context #2 | Verb

personal development

To give someone the authority or means to do something.

Synonyms

allow, authorize, empower, facilitate

Examples of usage

  • His encouragement enabled her to pursue her dreams.
  • The scholarship enabled him to attend college.
  • The grant enabled the research team to conduct experiments.

Translations

Translations of the word "enable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 habilitar

🇮🇳 सक्षम करना

🇩🇪 ermöglichen

🇮🇩 mengaktifkan

🇺🇦 вмикати

🇵🇱 umożliwić

🇯🇵 有効にする

🇫🇷 permettre

🇪🇸 habilitar

🇹🇷 etkinleştirmek

🇰🇷 활성화하다

🇸🇦 تمكين

🇨🇿 umožnit

🇸🇰 umožniť

🇨🇳 启用

🇸🇮 omogočiti

🇮🇸 virkja

🇰🇿 қосу

🇬🇪 ჩართვა

🇦🇿 aktivləşdirmək

🇲🇽 habilitar

Etymology

The word 'enable' originated from the Old French word 'enabler', which means 'to make able'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century. Over time, 'enable' has come to signify granting someone the power or ability to accomplish something, whether in a technological context or personal development. It conveys the idea of empowering and facilitating actions or processes.

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

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,943, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.