able
Pronounced:
/ˈeɪbəl/
Function:
adjectiveMeaning:
1 not used before a noun a : having the power, skill, money, etc., that is needed to do something ▪ He will buy a new car as soon as he is able. —usually followed by to + verb ▪ He will buy a new car as soon as he is able to do so. ▪ Is he able to swim? [=can he swim?] ▪ They weren't able to afford a vacation. [=they were unable to afford a vacation] ▪ I was so tired that I was barely/hardly able to get out of bed. ▪ A weight lifter is able to lift [=can lift] a very heavy weight. b : not prevented from doing something : having the freedom or opportunity to do something ▪ Come for a visit when you are able (to). —usually followed by to + verb ▪ Will you be able to visit soon? ▪ We were able to leave at noon. c —used to say that the quality or condition of something makes something possible ▪ a car that is able to hold [=can hold] five people ▪ The car wasn't able to be repaired. [=could not be repaired]
2 abler ablest [also more able; most able] : having skill or talent ▪ He turned out to be an able editor/leader/soldier. ▪ She is one of the ablest lawyers in the firm.
2 abler ablest [also more able; most able] : having skill or talent ▪ He turned out to be an able editor/leader/soldier. ▪ She is one of the ablest lawyers in the firm.