able
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
How often you will meet it
Rank 467 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 44,020 times across 139,755 chapters — 0.021% of every word in the library.
It belongs to the first 500 words, the band worth learning before any other.
What it means
adjective
- (usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something able to swimshe was able to program her computer
- have the skills and qualifications to do things well also: capable able teachersa capable administrator
- having inherent physical or mental ability or capacity able to learnhuman beings are able to walk on two feet
- having a strong healthy body also: able-bodied an able seamanevery able-bodied young man served in the army
able in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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Mightn’t be able to prove it to a pack of lawyers.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles · Agatha Christie · Chapter 1
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We must hope that he will not be able to do this.
A Knight of the White Cross · G. A. (George Alfred) Henty · Chapter 1
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Ford's wound was not dangerous and in a few days he was able to be around again.
The Red Record Tabulated Statistics · Ida B. Wells-Barnett · Chapter 1
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I then considered what I should load it with, it being not able to bear a ponderous burden.
The Life and Most Surprising Adventures · Daniel Defoe · Chapter 1
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In his study he was literally entombed in books---volumes in all languages--and Avonsbridge supposed him able to read them all.
Christian's Mistake · Dinah Maria Mulock Craik · Chapter 1