able

[ˈeɪbl]

able Definition

• 1. having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something
• 2. having 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

• capable
• competent
• skilled
• talented
• proficient

Antonyms for able

• incompetent
• incapable
• unskilled

Phrases with able

• able-bodied

  physically fit and healthy

  Example

  The army only accepts able-bodied recruits.

• able to do something with one's eyes closed

  able to do something very easily or without much effort

  Example

  After years of experience, she is able to do her job with her eyes closed.

• not be able to make heads or tails of something

  not be able to understand something at all

  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'

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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.