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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

Charlie Dean stood in ably as skipper and the batting fired.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026

He ably and honorably served his state and country, is widely respected by colleagues, and was loyal to the president’s agenda.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 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

“Many women spoke ably and eloquently,” she said.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• adroitly
• competently