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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
These new storms are capable of a few tornadoes, ping pong ball-sized hail, and 75 mph damaging winds. Chris Boyette, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024 Those destroyers, which are capable of shooting down ballistic missiles, would come either from the Indo-Pacific region or Europe, the official said. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024 The electric drive train is capable of 228 lb-ft torque (310 Nm). New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2024 And that means ensuring that management is capable of leading their teams in virtual settings. Alena Botros, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for capable 

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 10 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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