able
//ˈeɪ.bl̩//
Forms
- Comparative
- abler
- Superlative
- ablest
- present (v1)
- able
- past (v2)
- abled
- past participle (v3)
- abled
- present participle
- abling
- 3rd person singular
- ables
Definitions
1.Having the necessary powers or the needed resources to accomplish a task.
- She is able to lift the box without assistance.
2.Free from constraints preventing completion of task; permitted to; not prevented from.
- I'll see you as soon as I'm able.
- With that obstacle removed, I am now able to proceed with my plan.
- In a democratic world you'd be able to say what you thought wherever you were.
3.Gifted with skill, intelligence, knowledge, or competence.
- The chairman was also an able sailor.
4.Legally qualified or competent.
- He is able to practice law in six states.
1.present participle and gerund of can
- I will be able to go tomorrow.
- I have been able to go, since I was seven.
- I might be able to go.
1.The letter "A" in Navy Phonetic Alphabet.
2.radiotelephony clear-code word for the letter A.
Frequency
Overall
Very common· #355
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Common
- General reading & writing
- Very common
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Uncommon
Related words
Etymology
Etymology tree
Proto-Indo-European *gʰeh₁bʰ-
Proto-Indo-European *-éh₁ti
Proto-Indo-European *-yeti
Proto-Indo-European *-éh₁yeti
Proto-Indo-European *gʰh₁bʰéh₁yeti
Proto-Italic *haβēō
Latin habeō
Proto-Indo-European *-elis
Proto-Italic *-elis
Latin -ilis
Latin habilis
Old French ablebor.