Able

/ˈeɪbəl/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonAttribute
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase1 question

Definitions

1

Having the necessary skill, strength, or resources to do something.

/ˈeɪbəl/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Attribute

Having sufficient skill or strength

He's able to speak five languages fluently.

💡 Simply: Good at something or capable of doing it.

More Examples

2

The team has an able leader who guides them well.

How It's Used

Sports

"The able athlete won the championship."

Education

"She's an able student, always scoring high grades."

Idioms & expressions

able-bodied

Physically strong and healthy.

"The able-bodied man helped the elderly woman with her groceries."

From Old English 'æbel' or Old French 'able', derived from Latin 'habilis', meaning 'capable' or 'fit'.

The word 'able' has been used in English since the 14th century, originating from Old English and Old French roots.

Memory tip

Able bodied, able minded.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"To have or hold"

able bodiedable mindedable to

Common misspellings

abelabaleablee

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written