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capacity

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //kəˈpæsəti// UK //kəpˈæsɪti// ca·pac·i·ty Academic General-service

n. the maximum amount that something can hold or produce. It can also mean your ability to do or understand something.

n. the maximum amount or number that can be contained or produced; also refers to an individual's mental or physical ability to perform a task.


SIMPLE

The stadium is at full capacity for the final match.

CONTEXTUAL

The factory is currently operating at full capacity to meet the sudden increase in customer demand.

COMPLEX

While the legal team questioned his mental capacity to sign the contract, his doctors maintained that he was fully aware of the implications of his decisions.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English capacite, from Old French capacite, from Latin capācitās, from capāx (“able to hold much”), from capiō (“to hold, to contain, to take, to understand”).

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'for' when referring to ability ('a capacity for hard work') or 'of' when referring to volume ('a capacity of ten litres').

Pitfall

The room has a capacity for 50 peopleThe room has a capacity of 50 peopleWhen referring to the maximum volume or limit of a space, use 'of' instead of 'for'.

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