enable
ih-NAY-buhl
Enable (verb) means to give someone the ability, means, or authority to do something. Example: “A good pair of glasses enabled him to read the small print again.”
verb
1
To give someone the ability, means, or authority to do something.
"A good pair of glasses enabled him to read the small print again."
"The grant enabled her to finish her degree."
"This setting enables users to share files across the network."
2
To activate a function, especially on a device or system.
"You need to enable notifications in the settings before the app can alert you."
"Please enable the microphone, otherwise the others will not hear you on the call."
"Enable location services to use the map feature."
How to use enable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something possible, or to switch a feature on.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
enable someone to
enable a feature
enable access
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- enables
- Past tense
- enabled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A good pair of glasses _____ him to read the small print again.
Etymology
From Middle English enablen, from en- + able.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for enable
See all rhymes for enable →Frequently asked questions
What does “enable” mean?
The word “enable” means to give someone the ability, means, or authority to do something. In plain terms, to make something possible, or to switch a feature on.
How do you pronounce “enable”?
“Enable” is pronounced ih-NAY-buhl (/ɪˈneɪ.bəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “enable” in a sentence?
Here is “enable” used in a sentence: “The grant enabled her to finish her degree.”
What part of speech is “enable”?
“Enable” is a verb.
Where does the word “enable” come from?
The word “enable” comes from Middle English. From Middle English enablen, from en- + able.
Is “enable” a common word?
“Enable” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “enable” have?
“Enable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to give someone the ability, means, or authority to do something.
What is the difference between "enable" and "allow"?
"Enable" means to give someone the ability, means, or authority to do something, so it focuses on making an action possible. "Allow" mainly grants permission, so you can allow something without providing the means, while enabling actively equips someone to act.
When should you use "enable" instead of "empower"?
Use "enable" for giving the practical ability, means, or authority to act, including switching on a device function. "Empower" carries a stronger sense of giving people confidence, control, or authority, and is more common in social or motivational contexts.
What word pattern follows "enable"?
"Enable" is typically followed by an object and then "to" plus a verb, as in "the grant enabled her to travel." It is not usually followed by "for," so "enabled him to finish" is correct rather than "enabled him for finishing."
What is the difference between "enable" and "disable" on a device?
In technology, "enable" means to switch on or activate a function or feature, while "disable" turns it off. For example, you might enable notifications to receive them and disable them to stop them.
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