capable

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French capable, from Late Latin capābilis.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkeɪpəbl̩/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adjective

capable (comparative more capable, superlative most capable)

1. Able and efficient; having the ability needed for a specific task; having the disposition to do something; permitting or being susceptible to something.

   She is capable and efficient.

   He does not need help; he is capable of eating on his own.

   As everyone knew, he was capable of violence when roused.

   That fact is not capable of proof.

2. (obsolete) Of sufficient capacity or size for holding, containing, receiving or taking in; accessible to. Construed with of, for or an infinitive.
   • Lord Herbert:

     The site chosen was the cathedral church, capable of about 400 persons.

   • 1775 Samuel Johnson, A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland (Works 10.479):

     He has begun a road capable of a wheel-carriage.

Anagrams

• pacable

Etymology

From Latin capabilis.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ka.pabl/

• audio

  (file)

Adjective

capable (plural capables)

1. able, capable

Further reading

• “capable” in le Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).