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English Dictionary

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 able able /ˈeɪbl/

adjective

  1. () (usually followed by 'to') having the necessary means, skill, know-how or authority to do something  ( able )
    (usually followed by 'to') having the necessary means, skill, know-how or authority to do something
     Able to swim
    able to swim
     She was able to program her computer
    she was able to program her computer
     We were at last able to buy a car
    we were at last able to buy a car
     Able to get a grant for the project
    able to get a grant for the project
  2. () Have the skills and qualifications to do things well  ( capable , able )
    have the skills and qualifications to do things well
     Able teachers
    able teachers
     A capable administrator
    a capable administrator
     Children as young as 14 can be extremely capable and dependable
    children as young as 14 can be extremely capable and dependable
  3. () Having inherent physical or mental ability or capacity  ( able )
    having inherent physical or mental ability or capacity
     Able to learn
    able to learn
     Human beings are able to walk on two feet
    human beings are able to walk on two feet
     Superman is able to leap tall buildings
    Superman is able to leap tall buildings
  4. Having a strong healthy body  ( able , able-bodied )
    having a strong healthy body
     An able seaman
    an able seaman
     Every able-bodied young man served in the army
    every able-bodied young man served in the army