able
adjective
UK/ˈeɪ.bəl/US/ˈeɪ.bəl/
having the power, skill, money, or opportunity to do something
Example Sentences
She is able to speak multiple languages with incredible fluency.
After years of practice, he finally became able to master the complex guitar solo effortlessly.
The new safety measures ensured employees were able to work under less stressful conditions.
Despite the challenges, she remained able to finish her degree ahead of schedule.
The board recognized that she was able to lead the company to new heights.
With additional funding, they will be able to expand their research and development projects.
He was not able to attend the conference in person, so he joined via video call.
They worked tirelessly to guarantee that every student was able to receive the necessary support, which meant hiring more staff, improving facilities, and securing additional resources.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Possessing the skill, power, or means to do something effectively.Understanding the Use of "Able"
“Able” is commonly used as an adjective to describe someone’s or something’s capacity to perform a task successfully. In sentences, it often follows linking verbs (e.g., “He is able to finish the project on time”) and can also be paired with modal verbs like “might be able to” or “should be able to.”
When you want to highlight competence or possibility, “able” is an effective choice. For instance, “She will be able to help you with your homework” underscores both the skill and the availability to assist.
In formal writing, “able” conveys capability or readiness, whereas in casual conversation, it subtly affirms someone’s talent, fitness, or resilience. You can also use it to encourage someone, as in “I believe you’re able to overcome this challenge.”
By focusing on one’s ability rather than limitation, the word helps create a supportive, positive tone. Overall, it’s a versatile term that neatly captures a sense of proficiency or aptitude without sounding boastful.
Alternatives
Synonyms for "Able" and Their Nuances
Sometimes you may prefer other words to express someone’s capability or competence, depending on the nuance you wish to convey.
For a more emphatic tone, you could use “capable,” which underscores not just skill but also resourcefulness. If you want to highlight mastery or expertise, “proficient” might be more suitable, as it implies a high level of skill. Meanwhile, “competent” delivers a straightforward meaning of adequate ability without suggesting excellence.
If the context calls for a more formal phrase, “qualified” can indicate that someone meets specific standards or criteria. You might also consider “adept” when the ability is exceptionally strong, especially in specialized areas like art, music, or science.
These words can help you tailor your language to convey varying degrees of strength, mastery, or confidence. By carefully choosing synonyms, you can avoid repetition and inject subtle nuances into your writing or speech, ensuring that your message reflects the exact skill level and context you wish to portray.
Writing
When incorporating “able” and its alternatives into your writing, precision and context matter greatly. By carefully selecting terms such as “able,” “capable,” “competent,” or “proficient,” you can calibrate the level of skill or qualification you wish to convey. If you aim to show modest or sufficient know-how, you might opt for “competent.” On the other hand, “proficient” emphasizes a more advanced skill set or expertise. Using “qualified” suggests formal or official recognition of skill, ideal for contexts like job applications or academic settings. Moreover, avoid overusing “able” or any single synonym to keep your text dynamic. Weave in contextual clues—like professional training, years of experience, or distinctive accomplishments—to reinforce the idea of someone being “able.” By thoughtfully placing these descriptors, you can shape the reader’s perception of a character’s or individual’s abilities, thereby creating a nuanced and convincing narrative. Ultimately, selecting the right word fortifies your writing’s clarity, depth, and persuasiveness.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “able” fits well when you want to talk about someone’s capacity without sounding overly formal. For instance, you might say, “I’m able to pick you up after work,” or “She’s able to handle the kids tonight.” If you want to sound more relaxed yet still convey the same meaning, you can try saying “can manage,” “can handle,” or “can do.” These expressions maintain a friendly and accessible tone while still emphasizing the idea that someone has what it takes to get the job done. When giving encouragement to friends or family, try mixing in reassuring phrases like “I know you can do it!” or “You’ve got this!” By using a variety of words and phrases related to ability, you keep casual conversation lively, supportive, and engaging. Whether in social media chats or real-life encounters, these simple tweaks can spark more positive and uplifting exchanges.
Etymology
The word “able” traces its origins back to the Latin “habilis,” meaning “easily handled” or “apt,” which in turn comes from “habere,” meaning “to have” or “to hold.” Over time, this Latin root evolved through Old French, eventually becoming “able” in Middle English. This historical thread points to the sense of possessing the wherewithal to accomplish tasks or handle responsibilities. Interestingly, as “able” entered the English language, it took on broader connotations, moving from the literal sense of being easily handled to the more abstract notion of capability or competence. Though it’s a short word, “able” has played a significant role in shaping how we describe skill, potential, and readiness in the English language. The fact that it survived centuries of linguistic shifts and expansions attests to its fundamental usefulness. It continues to serve as a concise, widely understood term that underscores not just the capacity to perform, but also the confidence to embark on any given endeavor.
