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

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

From Los Angeles Times

But manage them, they do, and quite ably.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the Cosmic Weatherman, John Mburu ably demonstrated how smoothly baroque arias for bass—regardless of their original subjects—can be repurposed as howls of despair about a modern apocalypse.

From The Wall Street Journal

The program ably demonstrates how Weill adapted his music to his environment.

From The Wall Street Journal

As Ms. Aikin ably traces, successive librarians have delicately navigated the library’s continually expanding national role.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• adroitly
• competently