able
2 ENTRIES FOUND:
Britannica Dictionary definition of ABLE
1
not used before a noun
a
:
having the power, skill, money, etc., that is needed to do something
— usually followed by to + verb
-
He will buy a new car as soon as he is able.
-
He will buy a new car as soon as he is able to do so.
-
Is he able to swim? [=can he swim?]
-
They weren't able to afford a vacation. [=they were unable to afford a vacation]
-
I was so tired that I was barely/hardly able to get out of bed.
-
A weight lifter is able to lift [=can lift] a very heavy weight.
b
:
not prevented from doing something
:
having the freedom or opportunity to do something
— usually followed by to + verb
-
Come for a visit when you are able (to).
-
Will you be able to visit soon?
-
We were able to leave at noon.
c
— used to say that the quality or condition of something makes something possible
-
a car that is able to hold [=can hold] five people
-
The car wasn't able to be repaired. [=could not be repaired]
2
[also more able; most able]
abler;
ablest
:
having skill or talent
-
He turned out to be an able editor/leader/soldier.
-
She is one of the ablest lawyers in the firm.
