Definition of ABLE

able

Plural: ables

Adjective

  • Having the power, skill, or means to do something.
  • (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
    • "able to swim"
    • "she was able to program her computer"
    • "we were at last able to buy a car"
    • "able to get a grant for the project"

Adjective Satellite

  • have the skills and qualifications to do things well
    • "able teachers"
    • "a capable administrator"
    • "children as young as 14 can be extremely capable and dependable"
  • having inherent physical or mental ability or capacity
    • "able to learn"
    • "human beings are able to walk on two feet"
    • "Superman is able to leap tall buildings"
  • having a strong healthy body
    • "an able seaman"
    • "every able-bodied young man served in the army"

Adj

  • Having the necessary powers or the needed resources to accomplish a task.
  • Free from constraints preventing completion of task; permitted to; not prevented from.
  • Gifted with skill, intelligence, knowledge, or competence.
  • Legally qualified or competent.
  • Capable of performing all the requisite duties; as an able seaman.
  • Having the physical strength; robust; healthy.
  • Easy to use.
  • Suitable; competent.
  • Liable to.
  • Rich; well-to-do.

Verb

  • To make ready.
  • To make capable; to enable.
  • To dress.
  • To give power to; to reinforce; to confirm.
  • To vouch for; to guarantee.
  • present participle and gerund of can

Noun

  • A code word for the letter A.
  • The letter "A" in Navy Phonetic Alphabet.

Examples

  • After the past week of forced marches, only half the men are fully able.
  • He is able to practice law in six states.
  • He was born to an able family.
  • I had been able to go before.
  • I have been able to go, since I was seven.
  • I might be able to go.
  • I will be able to go tomorrow.
  • I'll see you as soon as I'm able.
  • In a democratic world you'd be able to say what you thought wherever you were.
  • She is able to lift the box without assistance.
  • The chairman was also an able sailor.
  • The word ABLE itself starts with able.
  • Were you able to see that clever hook before I played it?
  • With that obstacle removed, I am now able to proceed with my plan.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English able, from Old Northern French able, variant of Old French abile, habile, from Latin habilis (“easily managed, held, or handled; apt; skillful”), from habeō (“have, possess”) + -ibilis.
Broadly ousted the native Old English magan, which has taken a different meaning.

Synonyms

able-bodied, capable

Antonyms

unable

Scrabble Score: 6

able: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
able: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
able: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 8

able: valid Words With Friends Word