Definition of able
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: having sufficient power, skill, or resources to do something
able to solve a problem
b
: having the freedom or opportunity to do something
hopes to be able to visit soon
c
: having a quality or nature that makes something possible
a car able to hold five people
: susceptible to some action or treatment
a shoe able to be repaired
-able
adjective suffix
variants:
or less commonly -ible
Definition of -able (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: capable of, fit for, or worthy of (being so acted upon or toward)
—chiefly in adjectives derived from verbs breakablecollectible
2
: tending, given, or liable to
agreeable perishable
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for able
The first known use of able was in the 14th century
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