ENGLISH
REFERENCE

capable

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈkeɪpəbəɫ// UK //kˈeɪpəbəl// ca·pa·ble Academic Archaic General-service

adj. having the ability, power, or qualities to do something well. You use it to describe someone who is good at their job or a person who can achieve a specific goal.

adj. having the requisite ability, power, or fitness to perform a task or achieve an objective. Often used to describe general competence or specific potential when followed by a prepositional phrase.


SIMPLE

She is a very capable manager who gets things done.

CONTEXTUAL

The engineering team proved they were capable of handling the complex project under a tight deadline.

COMPLEX

While he lacked formal training, his years of practical experience made him more than capable of navigating the intricate legal requirements of the new trade agreement.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French capable, from Late Latin capābilis.

Usage

Commonly followed by the preposition 'of' and a gerund or noun phrase.

Pitfall

She is capable to do the jobShe is capable of doing the jobThe adjective is followed by the preposition 'of' and a gerund, not a 'to' infinitive.

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