able — ONAD · Shobdo

able /ˈābəl, ˈeɪbəl

▸ adjective

(abler, ablest)

1 [with infinitive] having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something:

he was able to read Greek at the age of eight

he would never be able to afford such a big house.

2 having considerable skill, proficiency, or intelligence:

the dancers were technically very able.

– ORIGIN late Middle English (also in the sense ‘easy to use, suitable’): from Old French hable, from Latin habilis ‘handy’, from habere ‘to hold’.