capable — English Dictionary

Adjective

1. Able and efficient; having the ability needed for a specific task; having the disposition to do something; permitting or being susceptible to something.

   Examples

   She is capable and efficient.

   He does not need help; he is capable of eating on his own.

   More examples (4)

   As everyone knew, he was capable of violence when roused.

   That fact is not capable of proof.

   They are neither capable of forming to themſelves a Rule, nor of diſcovering a Law-giver, nor of having the Rule enforc’d on them by the Proſpect of future Good or Ill.

   The attainment of the skills of elementary reading occurred some time ago for almost all who read this book. Nevertheless, we continue to experience the problems of this level of reading, no matter how capable we may be as readers.

2. Of sufficient capacity or size for holding, containing, receiving or taking in; accessible to. Construed with of, for or an infinitive.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

   Examples

   The place chosen was the cathedral church, capable of about 400 persons.

   [...] deſignation only to thoſe things, which have parts, and are capable of increaſe or diminution [...]

   More examples (2)

   Again, I farther obſerve, that as man is a compound being, ſo this renders him capable of ſeveral diſtinct kinds of pleaſure [...]

   He has begun a road capable of a wheel-carriage.

Adjective

1. (usually followed by ‘of’) having capacity or ability

   Antonyms

   incapable

   Examples

   capable of winning

   capable of hard work

   More examples (1)

   capable of walking on two feet

2. possibly accepting or permitting

   Synonyms

   opensubject

   Examples

   a passage capable of misinterpretation

   open to interpretation

   More examples (2)

   an issue open to question

   the time is fixed by the director and players and therefore subject to much variation

3. (followed by ‘of’) having the temperament or inclination for

   Antonyms

   incapable

   Examples

   no one believed her capable of murder

4. having the requisite qualities for

   Synonyms

   adequate toequal toup to

   Examples

   equal to the task

   the work isn't up to the standard I require

5. have the skills and qualifications to do things well

   Synonyms

   able

   Examples

   able teachers

   a capable administrator

   More examples (1)

   children as young as 14 can be extremely capable and dependable