Capable
/ˈkeɪpəbəl/
adjectiveB1
Definition
Capable describes a person, thing, or system that can do a task or job well. It means having the necessary skills, qualities, or strength to achieve a goal or complete an action. For example, a capable student can learn and understand new things easily.
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⚡ See It in Action
Having the ability or skill to do something
- •She is capable of speaking three languages.
- •This machine is capable of printing 100 pages per minute.
- •Are you capable of finishing the work by tomorrow?
Showing qualities that allow success or good performance
- •He is a very capable leader.
- •The team is capable and works well together.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "capable" like "can" (A1 word) but used to describe someone or something’s ability in a more formal or complete way.
- ✓Picture a strong athlete ready to run a race or a smart student solving a hard problem—both are capable.
- ✓It feels like confidence mixed with skill, the feeling when you believe you can do something important.
- ✓Sounds like "cape-able" → imagine a superhero wearing a cape who is able to do great things.
- ✓Think of stories where heroes are capable—they have the power and skill to help others.
- ✓NOT like "lucky" (random chance), capable means you have real skill or power to do something.
- ✓NOT like "try" (just effort), capable means you have what is needed to succeed.
- ✓NOT like "perfect" (without mistakes), capable means good enough to do the job well.
- ✓NOT like "weak" or "unable," capable is the opposite—it shows strength and skill.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Competent: having enough skill or knowledge (Use when focusing on skill level, often in work or study)
- •Skilled: having learned a skill well (Use when talking about specific skills or training)
- •Able: having the power or skill to do something (Use for general ability)
- •Qualified: having the right education or experience (Use in job or professional contexts)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "cap-" (from Latin "capere" meaning to take or hold) + suffix "-able" (able to do)
- •Etymology: From Latin "capabilis," meaning able to seize or take
- •Historical development: Entered English in the late 1500s to mean having ability or power
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people, machines, or systems that can do something well or effectively
- •Key insight: The word shows power or skill to do or achieve something, not just the wish or chance
💭 Reflect & Connect
•What are some tasks you feel capable of doing now that you couldn’t do before?
•How does being called "capable" affect a person’s confidence or how others see them?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.She is capable of ___ difficult problems because she studied hard.
2.A capable worker usually ___ tasks quickly and well.
3.Unlike someone who is lucky, a capable person ___ the skill and knowledge to succeed.
4.The new phone is capable ___ taking very clear photos in low light.
5.When you feel capable, you are more likely to ___ new challenges.
6.A capable leader can ___ a group to work well together.
7.If a machine is not capable of ___ fast, it may not be useful for big jobs.