able Definition
- 1having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something
- 2having considerable skill, proficiency, or intelligence
Using able: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "able" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She is able to speak five languages fluently.
Example
He was able to finish the project ahead of schedule.
Example
The athlete is able to run a mile in under four minutes.
Example
I am not able to attend the meeting tomorrow.
able Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for able
Antonyms for able
Phrases with able
able-bodied
physically fit and healthy
Example
The army only accepts able-bodied recruits.
Example
After years of experience, she is able to do her job with her eyes closed.
Example
I tried to read the instructions, but I couldn't make heads or tails of them.
Origins of able
from Old Norse 'hábil', meaning 'apt'
Summary: able in Brief
'Able' [ˈeɪbl] means having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something. It can also denote considerable skill, proficiency, or intelligence. Examples include 'She is able to speak five languages fluently' and 'He was able to finish the project ahead of schedule.' Phrases like 'able-bodied' and 'able to do something with one's eyes closed' extend the meaning to physical fitness and ease of doing something, respectively.