capacity
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the total amount that a container or space can hold.
n.the maximum amount or number that can be contained or accommodated.
Simple“The stadium was filled to capacity for the final game of the season.”
In context“The fuel tank has a capacity of fifty litres, which is sufficient for most long-distance journeys without frequent stops.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.your ability to do a specific task or understand an idea.
n.the power or ability to generate, receive, or exhibit a specific quality or perform a task.
Simple“She has a great capacity for hard work and never seems to get tired.”
In context“The human brain has an incredible capacity for processing complex visual information in a fraction of a second.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a particular job or position that someone has.
n.a specific role, function, or position in which a person acts.
Simple“He attended the meeting in his capacity as the company's legal advisor.”
In context“She was acting in a private capacity when she made those comments, so they do not reflect the official policy of the department.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'in'.
- 04 C1 Advanced
n.the maximum amount that a factory or machine can produce.
n.the maximum output that an industrial plant or economy can maintain.
Simple“The factory is currently operating at full capacity to meet the high demand.”
In context“Economists are concerned that the industry is reaching its productive capacity, which could lead to inflationary pressures if demand continues to rise.”
Synonyms - 05 C2 Proficiency
n.the legal right or mental ability to make your own decisions.
n.the legal qualification or mental competence to perform a specific act or enter into a contract.
Simple“The court had to decide if the elderly man had the mental capacity to sign the will.”
In context“The defendant's legal capacity was questioned by the prosecution, leading to a lengthy psychiatric evaluation before the trial could proceed.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 06 C1 Advanced
adj.filling all the available space.
adj.occupying the total available space or reaching the maximum limit; non-gradable.
Simple“The singer performed to a capacity crowd at the local theatre.”
In context“The venue hosted a capacity audience, with every seat occupied and standing room only at the back of the hall.”
Usage basic capacity · broad capacity · capacity limit
“Ukraine has destroyed almost a third of Russia’s refining capacity this year with its long-range drones.”
“Even when patients are found, capacity to treat them is running short.”
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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.