capable

adjective

ca·​pa·​ble ˈkā-pə-bəl 

 in rapid speech  ˈkāp-bəl

1

: susceptible

a remark capable of being misunderstood

2

obsolete : comprehensive

3

: having attributes (such as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment

is capable of intense concentration

4

: having traits conducive to or features permitting something

this woman is capable of murder by violence

—Robert Graves

5

: having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform

of my land … to make thee capable

—Shakespeare

6

: having or showing general efficiency and ability

a capable lawyer

a capable performance

capableness

ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs 

noun

capably

ˈkā-pə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• able
• competent
• equal
• fit
• good
• qualified
• suitable

Examples of capable in a Sentence

a capable and efficient editor

Recent Examples on the Web

Analysts have no doubt that traditional studios are still capable of making great movies. —Don Lee, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024

Armand is also capable of that, capable of re-remembering things in his own way, depending on his emotions. —Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 10 June 2024

Russo pointed out that many of the workforce skills the semiconductor industry desperately needs right now don’t require a PhD, or even a college degree at all—just specialized technical education that many candidates with a high school education and the right training are capable of mastering. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 June 2024

Smith has always been capable of bringing a worldwide audience to the big screen. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 7 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French capable, from Late Latin capabilis, irregular from Latin capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

capable

adjective

ca·​pa·​ble ˈkā-pə-bəl 

1

: having the qualities (as physical or mental power) to do or accomplish something

you are capable of better work

2

: having qualities or features permitting

a new train capable of very high speeds

3

: able to do one's job well : generally efficient

tries to hire capable people

capability

ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē

noun

capably

ˈkā-pə-blē 

adverb