able — having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈeɪbəl/
Example Sentences
- My cat thinks it's able to open cans with its paws, but it just ends up looking confused.
- I'm able to eat pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner without any regrets.
- Are you able to attend the meeting tomorrow?
able
ADJECTIVE[/ˈeɪbəl/]
having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin habilis, meaning 'easy to handle' or 'suitable.' Through Old French habile and Middle English, it evolved to mean 'possessing the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something' in modern English.
Breakdown
Latin habilis (manageable, suitable) → Old French habile → Middle English able, with the suffix -able later becoming a productive suffix meaning 'capable of' or 'worthy of' in English word formation.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat thinks it's able to open cans with its paws, but it just ends up looking confused.”
“I'm able to eat pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner without any regrets.”
“Are you able to attend the meeting tomorrow?”
“She's one of the most able students in our class.”
📚Related Words
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