able

The word “able” means having the power, skill, resources, or opportunity to do something. In plain terms, capable of doing something — either because of circumstances ("able to leave early") or because you're skilled ("an able writer").

“Able” is pronounced AY-bl (/ˈeɪ.bl̩/ in IPA).

Here is “able” used in a sentence: “Will you be able to attend the meeting on Friday?”

“Able” is an adjective.

The word “able” comes from Latin. From Old French able/habile, from Latin habilis, "easily handled, fit, skillful," from habere ("to have, hold").

“Able” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Able” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having the power, skill, resources, or opportunity to do something.

The two are close, but "able" stresses actually having the power or means to do something now, while "capable" stresses the underlying potential or fitness to do it. You are "able to lift the box" if you can right now; you are "capable of great kindness" as a lasting quality.

They express the same idea of ability but work differently in grammar. "Can" is a helping verb followed by another verb: "I can swim." "Able" is an adjective, usually in the phrase "able to": "I am able to swim." "Able to" is also handier for tenses "can" lacks, like "will be able to."

The direct opposite is "unable," meaning lacking the power, skill, or means to do something. Related opposites include "incapable," "powerless," and "incompetent," though these carry stronger or more specific shades. "Unable" simply denies the ability, as in "unable to attend," without judging the person's general competence.

"She is able to speak three languages" shows skill. "We are able to help you today" shows opportunity or resources. "He was barely able to lift it" shows physical power. In each case, "able" reports that the person has what it takes to do the thing named.