Enabled

ɪˈneɪb(ə)ld

verbmedium🔥Very CommonAction
1 meaning2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

To give someone the power, opportunity, or means to do something.

ɪˈneɪb(ə)ld

verbneutralmedium
Action

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

The new features enabled us to complete the project on time.

💡 Simply: Imagine you have a key that lets you unlock a door. 'Enabled' is like that key – it gives someone or something the 'power' or 'permission' to do something. For example, the new update 'enabled' you to send emojis.

👶 For kids: To let someone or something do something. Like, the computer lets the game start! It's enabled!

More Examples

2

The funding enabled the researchers to continue their work.

3

The password enabled me to access my account.

How It's Used

Technology

"The new software enabled users to share files more easily."

Law

"The legislation enabled the government to provide financial assistance."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

enabled environment

A setting or situation that provides opportunities and support to achieve a particular goal.

"The project seeks to create an enabled environment for small businesses to thrive."

enable someone to do something

To give someone the ability to do something or achieve something

"The new job enabled him to support his family"

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

The term has been in continuous use since the early modern period, evolving with changes in technology and legal contexts.

Memory tip

Think of 'enable' as turning on a switch, giving something or someone the ability to act.

Word Origin

LanguageOld French
Original meaning

"To make able"

enabled featuresenabled the systemenabled by technologyenabled environmentenabled access

Common misspellings

enabeled

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written