capable
Americanadjective
idioms
adjective
-
having ability, esp in many different fields; competent
-
able or having the skill (to do something)
she is capable of hard work
-
having the temperament or inclination (to do something)
he seemed capable of murder
Related Words
See able.
Other Word Forms
- capableness noun
- capably adverb
- overcapable adjective
- quasi-capable adjective
- quasi-capably adverb
- supercapable adjective
- supercapableness noun
- supercapably adverb
Etymology
Origin of capable
First recorded in 1555–65; from Late Latin capābilis “intelligent, understandable,” apparently equivalent to cap(āx) “competent, fit, roomy” ( capacity ) + -ābilis able
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Falling debris from an interception also set off a blaze at Dubai's Jebel Ali port, which hosts US warships and is capable of handling aircraft carriers.
From Barron's
US fighters jets, which have been sent to the region, are also capable of intercepting drones and missiles.
From BBC
Antonio's two‑month contract gives him the chance to reassess his future in the summer, with Jamaica still capable of qualifying for the World Cup through March's play-offs.
From BBC
Arsenals in the region include missiles capable of reaching all altitudes at which commercial flights operate.
Chait was an apparently safe fallback option — he is widely seen as well-liked, capable and loyal.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
