capable

adjective

ca·​pa·​ble ˈkā-pə-bəl How to pronounce capable (audio)
 in rapid speech  ˈkāp-bəl
1
: susceptible
a remark capable of being misunderstood
2
obsolete : comprehensive
3
: having attributes (such as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment
is capable of intense concentration
4
: having traits conducive to or features permitting something
this woman is capable of murder by violenceRobert Graves
5
: having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform
of my land … to make thee capableShakespeare
6
: having or showing general efficiency and ability
a capable lawyer
a capable performance
capableness noun
capably adverb

Examples of capable in a Sentence

a capable and efficient editor
Recent Examples on the Web Just young people who, with a bit of support, can be capable of a great deal. Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024 It is usually declared by governments, though some U.N. officials have done so in contexts where no prevailing governing entity was capable of formally assessing the situation. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024 Her portrayal shows that everyone, when given the chance, is capable. Diego Ramos Bechara, Variety, 18 Mar. 2024 Most respondents said someone in their eighties could make for an effective president but would be less capable in other occupations. Javier Zarracina, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2024 In 1864, a French army officer brought live axolotls back to Europe, where scientists were surprised to learn that the seemingly juvenile aquatic salamanders were capable of reproduction. Kate Golembiewski, CNN, 16 Mar. 2024 The film showed what the Warriors are capable of in transition. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2024 Many countertop air poppers are capable of cooking larger quantities of popcorn, too. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2024 Until recently, robots weren’t capable of regular human interaction — or at least in a manner that people would appreciate, let alone tolerate, at live events. Gideon Kimbrell, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'capable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French capable, from Late Latin capabilis, irregular from Latin capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of capable was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near capable

Cite this Entry

“Capable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capable. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

capable

adjective
ca·​pa·​ble ˈkā-pə-bəl How to pronounce capable (audio)
1
: having the qualities (as physical or mental power) to do or accomplish something
you are capable of better work
2
: having qualities or features permitting
a new train capable of very high speeds
3
: able to do one's job well : generally efficient
tries to hire capable people
capability
ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē
noun
capably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on capable

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