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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

What struck me instead is how ably Garbus presents what Rupert Murdoch and men like him have wrought as not just a blight on society but a pox on all our houses, including his own.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 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

I’ve been to the Cheesecake Shop, having been ably assisted by a girl called Misha.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak

Related Words

• adroitly
• competently