Definitions
- Referring to a person's skill or competence in performing a task. - Describing a person's natural or acquired talent or aptitude for a particular activity. - Talking about the power or capability to do something.
- Referring to the maximum amount that something can hold or contain. - Describing a person's mental or physical ability to handle or process information or tasks. - Talking about the potential or capability to do something.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to the ability or potential to do something.
- 2Both can be used to describe a person's mental or physical capabilities.
- 3Both can be used in a variety of contexts.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Ability is more commonly used to describe a person's skills or talents, while capacity is more often used to describe the potential or capability to do something.
- 2Focus: Ability emphasizes the actual performance or execution of a task, while capacity focuses on the potential or capability to perform a task.
- 3Measurement: Capacity can be measured quantitatively, such as the maximum amount that something can hold, while ability is more qualitative and subjective.
- 4Scope: Ability is often specific to a particular task or activity, while capacity can be more general and encompass a broader range of abilities.
- 5Connotation: Ability is often associated with skill or talent, while capacity is associated with potential or capability.
Remember this!
Ability and capacity are both words that refer to a person's potential or capability to do something. However, ability is more commonly used to describe a person's skills or talents, while capacity is more often used to describe the potential or capability to perform a task. Additionally, ability emphasizes the actual performance or execution of a task, while capacity focuses on the potential or capability to perform a task.
