ability
Pluralabilities (some meanings)
- 1Being able to do something, or being allowed by law to do it.
Like having a key that fits a lock: you can open the door.
Penguins are birds, but they do not have the ability to fly.
With enough practice, you gain the ability to swim across the lake.
UsageSay the ability to do something: the ability to swim.
Similarcapacity, capability, power
Oppositeinability, incapacity
Note
- 2A skill or talent someone has, or a power of the mind like thinking or remembering.
Like a tool you have learned to use very well.
Her ability to draw amazed her teachers.
He has many abilities, from cooking to fixing cars.
UsageOften used with a describing word before it: musical ability, natural abilities.
Similarskill, talent, aptitude, gift, faculty
Note
- 3Having enough money to do or pay for something.
Note
Less common meaning
- 4The quality of being right or fitting for a purpose.
Note
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Origin
It comes from an old French word, which came from the Latin word 'habilitas' meaning aptness or ability, based on 'habilis' meaning fit or able.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 4 facts
- Ability derives through French from Latin habilitas. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin habilitas means aptness or ability. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin habilitas is based on habilis. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin habilis means fit or able. en.wiktionary.org