Main Entry: able

Pronunciation: \ˈā-bəl\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): abler \-b(ə-)lər\; ablest \-b(ə-)ləst\

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin habilis apt, from habēre to have — more at habit

Date: 14th century

1 a : having sufficient power, skill, or resources to accomplish an object b : susceptible to action or treatment
2 : marked by intelligence, knowledge, skill, or competence

— ably \ˈā-b(ə-)lē\ adverb