capable

ca·pa·ble

adjective \ˈkā-pə-bəl, in rapid speech ˈkāp-bəl\

Definition of CAPABLE

1

: susceptible <a remark capable of being misunderstood>

2

obsolete : comprehensive

3

: having attributes (as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment <is capable of intense concentration>

4

: having traits conducive to or features permitting <this woman is capable of murder by violence — Robert Graves> <an outer coat of light color capable of reflecting solar heat — Current Biography>

5

: having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform

6

: having or showing general efficiency and ability <a capable lawyer> <a capable performance>

— ca·pa·ble·ness \ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs\ noun

— ca·pa·bly \-pə-blē\ adverb

Examples of CAPABLE

1. <a capable and efficient editor>

Origin of CAPABLE

Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French capable, from Late Latin capabilis, irregular from Latin capere to take — more at heave

First Known Use: 1579

Related to CAPABLE

Synonyms

able, competent, equal, fit, good, qualified, suitable

Antonyms

incompetent, inept, poor, unfit, unfitted, unqualified

Related Words

accomplished, ace, adept, experienced, expert, master, masterful, masterly, practiced (also practised), proficient, seasoned, skilled, skillful, veteran; overqualified; prepared, schooled, trained; apt, ready, willing; all-around (also all-round), protean, versatile

Near Antonyms

inexperienced, inexpert, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful; unprepared, unschooled, untrained; beginning, green, new, raw, untested, untried

Rhymes with CAPABLE

drapable, shapable