ENGLISH
REFERENCE

enables

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɛˈneɪbəɫz// UK //ɛnˈeɪbəlz// en·ables

v. to give someone the power, ability, or right to do something. You use this when a tool or a rule makes a task possible for you.

v. to provide with the means, opportunity, or authority to perform a specific action. Transitive; requires a direct object followed by an infinitive phrase.


SIMPLE

This new software enables us to work much faster.

CONTEXTUAL

The scholarship enables students from low-income families to attend the university without taking on debt.

COMPLEX

While the digital infrastructure enables unprecedented levels of global connectivity, it also exposes sensitive personal data to sophisticated cyber threats that were previously impossible.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and typically follows the pattern: enable + object + to-infinitive.

Pitfall

The tool enables to finish earlyThe tool enables us to finish earlyEnable requires a direct object (the person or thing being helped) before the 'to' verb.

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