ably
adverb
ably
1 American
[ey-blee]
/ ˈeɪ bli /
adverb
-ably
2
American
ably
British
/ ˈeɪblɪ /
adverb
Etymology
Origin of ably
First recorded in 1350–1400, ably is from the Middle English word abelli. See able, -ly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
By contrast, Kane has been ably supported by Jude Bellingham, a fellow world-class operator who has scored four goals at this tournament, including vital strikes against Panama and Mexico.
From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026
“We have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business,” he said.
From MarketWatch ● May 3, 2026
You’ve now connected up, and I think this actually was ably done in the Hungarian messaging too, corruption and the cost of living, right?
From Slate ● Apr. 20, 2026
Conductor Robert Spano ably managed the intricate ensembles, the opera’s relentless drive, and an orchestra pit so small that some players had to perform amplified from a separate room.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 23, 2026
My case was ably defended by advocate Walter Poliak, Q.C., chairman of the Johannesburg Bar Council.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
This festival's credo - "Life, liberty and the pursuit of rock!" -ably sums up its mission.
From New York Times ● May 7, 2010
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
