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View synonyms for

able

1

[ ey-buhl ]

adjective

abler, ablest.
  1. having necessary power, skill, resources, or qualifications; qualified:

    able to lift a two-hundred-pound weight; able to write music; able to travel widely; able to vote.

    Synonyms: ,

    Antonyms:

  2. having unusual or superior intelligence, skill, etc.:

    an able leader.

    Synonyms: , , ,

  3. showing talent, skill, or knowledge:

    an able speech.

    Synonyms:

  4. legally empowered, qualified, or authorized.


noun

  1. Usually Able. a code word formerly used in communications to represent the letter A.

-able

2
  1. a suffix meaning “capable of, susceptible of, fit for, tending to, given to,” associated in meaning with the word able, occurring in loanwords from Latin ( laudable ); used in English as a highly productive suffix to form adjectives by addition to stems of any origin ( teachable; photographable ).

-able

1

suffix forming adjectives

  1. capable of, suitable for, or deserving of (being acted upon as indicated)

    separable

    enjoyable

    pitiable

    washable

    readable

  2. inclined to; given to; able to; causing

    comfortable

    variable

    reasonable

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

able

2

/ ˈɪə /

adjective

  1. postpositive having the necessary power, resources, skill, time, opportunity, etc, to do something

    able to swim

  2. capable; competent; talented

    an able teacher

  3. law qualified, competent, or authorized to do some specific act
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • -ably, suffix:forming_adverbs
  • -ability, suffix:forming_nouns
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Other Word Forms

  • v·b adjective
  • v·b· adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of able1

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin habilis “handy,” equivalent to 󲹲(ŧ) “to have, hold” + -ilis adjective suffix; -ile

Origin of able2

Middle English < Old French < Latin -, equivalent to -- final vowel of 1st conjugation v. stems + -bilis
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Word History and Origins

Origin of able1

via Old French from Latin -, -ī, forms of -bilis, adjectival suffix

Origin of able2

C14: ultimately from Latin habilis easy to hold, manageable, apt, from 󲹲ŧ to have, hold + -ilis -ile
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Synonym Study

Able, capable, competent all mean possessing adequate power for doing something. Able implies power equal to effort required: able to finish in time. Capable implies power to meet or fulfill ordinary requirements: a capable worker. Competent suggests power to meet demands in a completely satisfactory manner: a competent nurse.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Maybe the Lakers have been able to make this all a part of their identity because it’s always been a part of Redick’s identity.

From

“Safe and timely release must promote public safety and ensure that sponsors are able to provide for the physical and mental well-being of children,” the agency’s online policy states.

From

"I think this fight once it's over, there's a possibility that things may be able to reconcile or there's a possibility it will make our relationship even harder to rebuild," Eubank Jr says.

From

It concluded that some sediment-dwelling creatures were able to recolonise the site and recover from the test, but larger animals appeared not to have returned.

From

“There are very few, and it’s rare to be able to target and prioritize a player who can alter the sport itself. And Travis is somebody that we view has the potential to do that.”

From

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ablazeable-bodied