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.
Despite those similarities, mice lack a known immune cell receptor capable of recognizing 5-oxoETE.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 5, 2026
As early vote tallies looked favorable for her campaign on Tuesday night, Raman reminded supporters at an outdoor election-watch party that Los Angeles had once been capable of monumental feats.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026
He also loved the process of showing what his star cast is capable of but not necessarily known for.
From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026
Which player is capable of pulling a Trent Mosley to be a difference-maker during the postseason of 2026?
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026
“He wanted to see what you’re capable of,” Doc said.
From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
