Capable Meaning
/ˈkeɪ.pə.bəl/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjAble and efficient; having the ability needed for a specific task; having the disposition to do something; permitting or being susceptible to something.
adjOf sufficient capacity or size for holding, containing, receiving or taking in; accessible to. Construed with of, for or an infinitive.
Sentence Examples
Nancy is a capable nurse.
The chimpanzee is an intelligent creature, capable of solving simple problems.
You are capable of better work than this.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Only a highly skilled engineer is ____ of designing such a complex system.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She is perfectly ____ of handling the whole project all by herself.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Middle French capable, from Late Latin capābilis.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"They are neither capable of forming to themſelves a Rule, nor of diſcovering a Law-giver, nor of having the Rule enforc’d on them by the Proſpect of future Good or Ill."
— 1732, John Conybeare, A Defence of Reveal'd Religion Against the Exceptions of a Late Writer, in His Book, Intituled, Christianity as Old as the Creation, &c, Simon & Schuster, page 18:
"The attainment of the skills of elementary reading occurred some time ago for almost all who read this book. Nevertheless, we continue to experience the problems of this level of reading, no matter how capable we may be as readers."
— 1972, Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren, How to Read a Book, →ISBN, →LCCN, page 17:
"The place chosen was the cathedral church, capable of about 400 persons."
— 1672, Lord Herbert, The Life and Reign of King Henry the Eighth, page 594:
"[...] deſignation only to thoſe things, which have parts, and are capable of increaſe or diminution [...]"
— 1695, John Locke, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, page 108:
"Again, I farther obſerve, that as man is a compound being, ſo this renders him capable of ſeveral diſtinct kinds of pleaſure [...]"
— 1754, Thomas Chubb, A Collection of Tracts on Various Subjects, volume 2, page 43:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
Only a highly skilled engineer is ____ of designing such a complex system.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She is perfectly ____ of handling the whole project all by herself.