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

Mr. Fryer ably takes up a difficult subject and comes up with practical and useful suggestions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Following its split with the Kennedy Center, the company has ably adapted to George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, where it is presenting a gripping staging of Robert Ward’s version of the Arthur Miller classic.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Girls from Central are here as well; reliable Helen has ably taken over the kitchen, washing guests’ teacups as soon as they dirty.

From Literature

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

Related Words

• adroitly
• competently