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
Related Words
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
Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume
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List 1
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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.
Researchers are studying how water trapped in the old mine system can be used to generate geothermal energy capable of heating and cooling buildings throughout the town.
From Science Daily • May 6, 2026
"But they are a very capable team. Arsenal have a real chance - it can be 50/50 game. Arsenal are capable on their day."
From BBC • May 6, 2026
Apple unveiled several AI tools, including an improved Siri assistant that was more conversational and capable, in 2024.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
A patient fell ill with a strain capable of human-to-human transmission after returning from the cruise ship where other infections occurred.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
Anya wasn’t sure if dragons were capable of blushing, but to her, he looked a shade of deeper red.
From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack
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.
