Able

/ˈeɪ.bl̩/ · adjective

Meaning

Having the necessary powers or the needed resources to accomplish a task..

Definitions by Sense

1. Having the necessary powers or the needed resources to accomplish a task.
2. Free from constraints preventing completion of task; permitted to; not prevented from.
3. Gifted with skill, intelligence, knowledge, or competence.
4. (law) Legally qualified or competent.
5. (nautical) Capable of performing all the requisite duties; as an able seaman.
6. (obsolete, dialectal) Having the physical strength; robust; healthy.
7. (obsolete) Easy to use.
8. (obsolete) Suitable; competent.

Example Sentences

She is able to lift the box without assistance.

In a democratic world you'd be able to say what you thought wherever you were.

I'll see you as soon as I'm able.

With that obstacle removed, I am now able to proceed with my plan.

The chairman was also an able sailor.

Natures that haue much Heat, and great and violent deſires and Perturbations, are not ripe for Action, till they haue paſſed the Meridian of their yeares: As it was with Iulius Cæſar, and Septimius Seuerus. […] And yet he [Septimus Severus] was the Ableſt Emperour, almoſt, of all the Liſt.

Urania speaks with darken’d brow: ⁠‘Thou pratest here where thou art least; ⁠This faith has many a purer priest, And many an abler voice than thou: […]’

He is able to practice law in six states.

Synonyms for able

Antonyms for able

Related Words

Word Forms

• abler
• ablest
• hable
• ables
• abling
• abled

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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