capable
- 1Having the skill or power to do something well.
Like a strong tool that can do the job it was built for.
She is a capable nurse who stays calm in any emergency.
With more training, he became a capable driver.
UsageSay capable of doing something (not
incorrect: capable to do).Similarcompetent, able, skilled, proficient, effective
Oppositeincompetent, incapable, inept
- 2Able or likely to do or become something, often something bad or surprising.
When he gets angry, he is capable of saying very hurtful things.
That little dog is capable of eating a whole cake if you leave it on the table.
UsageUse of after it. Capable of anything usually means someone may do something bad.
Oppositeincapable
- 3Big enough to hold or take in something.
He has begun a road capable of a wheel-carriage.
1775, Samuel Johnson, A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland (Works 10.479)Here, capable of means big enough to hold or take something, like a carriage.The place chosen was the cathedral church, capable of about 400 persons.
1672, Lord Herbert, The Life and Reign of King Henry the EighthNote
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of capable apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
English took this word from Middle French capable, which came from Late Latin capābilis.
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- English borrowed capable from Middle French capable. en.wiktionary.org
- Middle French capable came from Late Latin capābilis. en.wiktionary.org