English Reference
Adverb

ably

adv.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈeɪbɫi/ UK /ˈeɪbli/ ably

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.


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.

He was ably supported in both these positions by his first wife, Joan (nee Teasdale).

The Guardian· 7 Sept 2026

From Middle English abeliche, abelyche, abilliche, abliche; equivalent to able + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English abeliche
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated