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REFERENCE

capacity

n. · adj.
US //kəˈpæsəti// UK //kəpˈæsɪti// ca·pac·i·ty
  1. 1 volume or space (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the total amount that a container or space can hold.

    the maximum amount or number that can be contained or accommodated.

    Example

    The stadium was filled to capacity for the final game of the season.

    Example

    The fuel tank has a capacity of fifty litres, which is sufficient for most long-distance journeys without frequent stops.
  2. 2 ability to do something (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    your ability to do a specific task or understand an idea.

    the power or ability to generate, receive, or exhibit a specific quality or perform a task.

    Example

    She has a great capacity for hard work and never seems to get tired.

    Example

    The human brain has an incredible capacity for processing complex visual information in a fraction of a second.
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  1. 3 official role (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    a particular job or position that someone has.

    a specific role, function, or position in which a person acts.

    Example

    He attended the meeting in his capacity as the company's legal advisor.

    Example

    She was acting in a private capacity when she made those comments, so they do not reflect the official policy of the department.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'in'.
  2. 4 production limit (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical

    the maximum amount that a factory or machine can produce.

    the maximum output that an industrial plant or economy can maintain.

    Example

    The factory is currently operating at full capacity to meet the high demand.

    Example

    Economists are concerned that the industry is reaching its productive capacity, which could lead to inflationary pressures if demand continues to rise.
  3. 5 legal competence (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Law

    the legal right or mental ability to make your own decisions.

    the legal qualification or mental competence to perform a specific act or enter into a contract.

    Example

    The court had to decide if the elderly man had the mental capacity to sign the will.

    Example

    The defendant's legal capacity was questioned by the prosecution, leading to a lengthy psychiatric evaluation before the trial could proceed.
  4. 6 completely full (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    filling all the available space.

    occupying the total available space or reaching the maximum limit; non-gradable.

    Example

    The singer performed to a capacity crowd at the local theatre.

    Example

    The venue hosted a capacity audience, with every seat occupied and standing room only at the back of the hall.
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”).

Word family

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