capable
Americanadjective
idioms
adjective
-
having ability, esp in many different fields; competent
-
able or having the skill (to do something)
she is capable of hard work
-
having the temperament or inclination (to do something)
he seemed capable of murder
Synonym Usage
See able.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of capable
First recorded in 1555–65; from Late Latin capābilis “intelligent, understandable,” apparently equivalent to cap(āx) “competent, fit, roomy” ( see capacity) + -ābilis able
Explanation
To be capable of something is to be able to do it, like your little brother who is perfectly capable of tying his own shoes, but likes having everyone else do it for him. When people are capable, they can handle whatever task is at hand, like a capable teacher who can explain difficult concepts and make it fun. You may also have heard that someone "isn't capable" of, say, committing a crime or hurting someone's feelings. In this case, not being capable is a compliment — it means you just won't let yourself do something to violate your own standards for behavior.
Vocabulary lists containing capable
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“But frankly, I’d been surprised that I was capable of doing the pop stuff.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
But Parish accepted Glasner for who he was - a manager capable of letting his emotions get the better of him at times, but also the most successful the club has ever had.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
Or at least he would regret it, if he were capable of self-reflection.
From Salon • May 27, 2026
The SaaSpocalypse will pass, as Y2K and the XPocalypse passed, because capable people will do the work.
From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026
“I think Chase is more than capable of hauling and organizing boxes on his own. And I need you to make the sweet potato pie … unless you’d prefer for Chase to eat my version.”
From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
