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• ably
  ably

  adverb

  in an able manner; with skill or ability; competently.
• -ably
  -ably

  a suffix combining -able and -ly that forms adverbs corresponding to adjectives ending in -able: commendably; dependably; tolerably .

ably

¹ American  

[ey-blee] / ˈeɪ bli /

adverb

1. in an able manner; with skill or ability; competently.

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-ably ² American  

1. a suffix combining -able and -ly that forms adverbs corresponding to adjectives ending in -able: commendably; dependably; tolerably .

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ably British  

/ ˈeɪblɪ /

adverb

1. in a competent or skilful manner

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Etymology

Origin of ably

First recorded in 1350–1400, ably is from the Middle English word abelli. See able, -ly

Example Sentences

“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

And Yokohama ably depicts a privileged young man who rightly views his good fortune as both blessing and curse.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

We must still allow ourselves to be shocked from time to time, and Attorney General Pam Bondi’s performance before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday ably did the job.

From Slate • Feb. 14, 2026

Tergit’s spare, clear, lightly ironic prose is ably captured by the book’s translator, Sophie Duvernoy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

The fund was ably administered during the trial by Mary Benson and then Freda Levson.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• adroitly
• competently