able[adjective]Synonyms: capable, accomplished, competent, efficient, proficient, qualified, skilful
Antonyms: inept, unable
Contrasted words: ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, incapable, incompetent, unqualified, fair, indifferent, mediocre, lackluster, maladroit
Related Words: effective,
effectual,
efficient,
expert,
proficient,
skilled,
skillful,
alert,
clever,
keen,
sharp,
brainy,
brilliant,
intelligent,
smart,
enterprising,
go-ahead,
up-and-coming [TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲
-able /əb
əl/ (
also -ible)
suffix [in adjectives][
Language: Old French;
Origin: Latin -abilis, from -bilis 'capable or worthy of']
1. that you can do something to:
washable (=it can be washed) unbreakable (=it cannot be broken) loveable (=easy to love)2. having a particular quality or condition:
knowledgeable (=knowing a lot) comfortable ► -ably /əbli/,
-ibly suffix [in adverbs]:
unbelievably [TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲
a‧ble S1 W1 /ˈeɪb
əl/
adjective [
Word Family: noun:
ability ≠
inability,
disability;
adjective:
able ≠
unable,
disabled;
verb:
enable ≠
disable;
adverb:
ably]
[
Date: 1300-1400;
Language: Old French;
Origin: Latin habilis 'skillful', from habere 'to have']
1. be able to do something a) to have the skill, strength, knowledge etc needed to do something:
I’ve always wanted to be able to speak Japanese. b) to be in a situation in which it is possible for you to do something:
I’d like to do more gardening, but I never seem able to find the time. I haven’t been able to read that report yet.2. clever or good at doing something:
one of my more able students [TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲
ableadjective1. 
BAD: One man is able to destroy the whole world.
GOOD: One man is capable of destroying the whole world.
Usage Note:If someone is
able to do something, they can do it and it is not unusual or surprising if they do it: 'The doctor said that after a few days I'd be able to get out of bed.' 'Will you be able to play on Saturday?'
If someone is
capable of (doing) something, they do not usually do it, but it is possible for them to do it if they want to: 'I'm sure he's quite capable of getting here on time, but he can't be bothered.' 'The power station is capable of generating enough electricity for the whole region.'
2. BAD: There are so many places to visit in London that I'm not able to decide where to go.
GOOD: There are so many places to visit in London that I can't decide where to go.
BAD: We weren't able to stop laughing.
GOOD: We couldn't stop laughing.
Usage Note:See also COULD 1 (
could)
3. BAD: In some countries you are not able to drink until you are 21.
GOOD: In some countries you can't drink until you are 21.
Usage Note:For actions that are controlled by laws or rules, use
can, can't, etc, or
be (not) allowed to : 'Now that they are both sixteen, they can get married.' 'The goalkeeper can touch the ball, but nobody else can.'
4. BAD: Technology has made them able to grow their own food.
GOOD: Technology has enabled them to grow their own food.
Usage Note:enable = make someone able to do something: 'This scheme is designed to enable young people to find work.'
[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲