capable

ca·pa·ble

adj
\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

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Rhymes with CAPABLE

drapable, shapable