Main Entry:

ca·pa·ble

Pronunciation:

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

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

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

Date:

1579

1: susceptible <a remark capable of being misunderstood>2obsolete : comprehensive3: 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 perform6: 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