capable

adjective

ca·​pa·​ble ˈkā-pə-bəl How to pronounce capable (audio)
 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 violenceRobert Graves
5
: having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform
of my land … to make thee capableShakespeare
6
: having or showing general efficiency and ability
a capable lawyer
a capable performance
capableness noun
capably adverb

Examples of capable in a Sentence

a capable and efficient editor
Recent Examples on the Web In one of her visions, Sienna sees the sword being forged by a demon who is held on a leash by an angel, indicating a symbiotic relationship between Heaven and Hell—perhaps demons are the only creatures capable of creating the violent tools needed to defeat them. Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 Popular on Variety Although there are countless tech companies capable of developing streaming apps, Dufour says Rakuten TV’s offer is unique because his is not a tech company but a streaming platform that also develops its own tech. Jamie Lang, Variety, 22 Oct. 2024 The tech giant could add Apple Intelligence to iPhones — specifically iPhone 15 Pro models or newer — on Oct. 28, in a software update that will give users their first look at what Apple’s version of AI will be capable of. Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 21 Oct. 2024 In one scene, the film ventures to a farm in rural Paris, home to an elderly woman who, utilizing a handmade loom, was the only one capable of weaving the trim on Chanel jackets at the time. Romany Williams, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for capable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'capable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of capable was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near capable

Cite this Entry

“Capable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capable. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

capable

adjective
ca·​pa·​ble ˈkā-pə-bəl How to pronounce capable (audio)
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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on capable

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