Word
ably
US/ˈeɪbɫi/
UK/ˈeɪbli/
Definition
adv. in a way that shows you are very good at what you are doing. You use this to describe someone who performs a task with skill and confidence.
adv. in a manner that demonstrates competence, skill, or effectiveness. Often used to describe the performance of a task or the management of a situation.
Examples
“She ably managed the team during the crisis.”
“The new lawyer ably represented her client in court, winning a favorable settlement.”
“The committee ably navigated the complex negotiations, ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders were fairly represented throughout the process.”
Examples
simple
“She ably managed the team during the crisis.”
contextual
“The new lawyer ably represented her client in court, winning a favorable settlement.”
complex
“The committee ably navigated the complex negotiations, ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders were fairly represented throughout the process.”
Real-World Examples
“He was ably supported in both these positions by his first wife, Joan (nee Teasdale).” Etymology
From Middle English abeliche, abelyche, abilliche, abliche; equivalent to able + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/ably