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 treatment2: marked by intelligence, knowledge, skill, or competence

— ably \ˈā-b(ə-)lē\ adverb