Enable

/ɪˈneɪbəl/

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

1

To provide the means or opportunity for.

/ɪˈneɪbəl/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To give someone or something the authority or means to do something.

The scholarship enabled her to study abroad.

💡 Simply: Imagine you want to build a Lego castle, but you don't have any Lego bricks. When your friend gives you the bricks, they 'enable' you to build your castle! It's all about giving someone or something the tools or chance to do something.

👶 For kids: To help someone do something.

More Examples

2

The new highway will enable faster travel between cities.

3

Good weather enabled the farmers to harvest their crops.

How It's Used

Technology

"New software enables users to easily edit videos."

Law

"The law enables citizens to vote."

Business

"The new funding will enable the company to expand its operations."

From Middle English *enablen*, from Old French *enabler* ('to make able'), from *able* ('able').

The word 'enable' has been used since the 14th century.

Memory tip

Think of 'able': to make something or someone able to do something.

enabelenabble

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written