capable

adjective ca·pa·ble \ˈkā-pə-bəl, in rapid speech ˈkāp-bəl\

: able to do something : having the qualities or abilities that are needed to do something

: skilled at doing something : able to do something well

Full Definition of CAPABLE

: susceptible <a remark capable of being misunderstood>

obsolete : comprehensive

: having attributes (as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment <is capable of intense concentration>

: having traits conducive to or features permitting <this woman is capable of murder by violence — Robert Graves>

: having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform

: having or showing general efficiency and ability <a capable lawyer> <a capable performance>

— ca·pa·ble·ness \ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs\ noun

— ca·pa·bly \-pə-blē\ adverb

See capable defined for English-language learners

See capable defined for kids

Origin of CAPABLE

Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French capable, from Late Latin capabilis, irregular from Latin capere to take — more at heave

First Known Use: 1579

Related to CAPABLE

Synonyms: able, competent, equal, fit, good, qualified, suitable

Antonyms: incompetent, inept, poor, unfit, unfitted, unqualified

Rhymes with CAPABLE

drapable, shapable

CAPABLE Defined for Kids

capable

adjective ca·pa·ble \ˈkā-pə-bəl\

Definition of CAPABLE for Kids

: having the qualities or abilities that are needed to do or accomplish something <You are capable of better work.>

: able to do something well <a capable actress>

— ca·pa·bly \-blē\ adverb

Word Root of CAPABLE

The Latin word capere, meaning “to seize” or “to take,” and its form captus give us the roots cap, capt, and cept. Words from the Latin capere have something to do with taking. To capture is to take something or someone by using force. To accept is to take something willingly. Anyone capable of doing something is able to take on that task.