Words / B1

adjective · B1

Capable

KAYP-uh-bl/ˈkeɪpəbl/

Capable means you have the skill or power to do something. The pattern is capable of + -ing: capable of leading a team. Able to + verb is more common in speech: able to lead. Capable can describe people or things (a capable manager; a capable system). Capability is the noun in work English.

Meaning

Having the skill or power to do something.

Examples

  • “She is capable of solving hard problems.”
  • “He is capable of much better work.”
  • “The software is capable of handling large files.”

Good to know

capable of + -ing. Everyday: able to + verb. Noun: capability.

Near in meaning

able

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