capable

/ˈkeɪpəbəl/

/ˈkeɪpəbəl/

Other forms: capablest; capabler

To be capable of something is to be able to do it, like your little brother who is perfectly capable of tying his own shoes, but likes having everyone else do it for him.

When people are capable, they can handle whatever task is at hand, like a capable teacher who can explain difficult concepts and make it fun. You may also have heard that someone "isn't capable" of, say, committing a crime or hurting someone's feelings. In this case, not being capable is a compliment — it means you just won't let yourself do something to violate your own standards for behavior.

Definitions of capable

1. adjective

   (usually followed by `of') having capacity or ability
   “capable of winning”

   “capable of hard work”

   “capable of walking on two feet”

   synonyms:

   able

   having inherent physical or mental ability or capacity

   confident, sure-footed, surefooted

   not liable to error in judgment or action

   resourceful

   having inner resources; adroit or imaginative

   competent

   properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient

   antonyms:

   incapable

   (followed by `of') lacking capacity or ability

   unable

   (usually followed by `to') lacking necessary physical or mental ability

   incompetent

   not qualified or suited for a purpose
2. adjective

   having the skills and qualifications to do things well
   “a capable administrator”

   “children as young as 14 can be extremely capable and dependable”

   synonyms: able

   competent

   properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient
3. adjective

   having the requisite qualities for
   synonyms: adequate to, equal to, up to

   adequate, equal

   having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task
4. adjective

   (followed by `of') having the temperament or inclination for
   “no one believed her capable of murder”

   antonyms:

   incapable

   (followed by `of') not having the temperament or inclination for
5. adjective

   possibly accepting or permitting
   “a passage capable of misinterpretation”

   synonyms: open, subject

   susceptible

   (often followed by `of' or `to') yielding readily to or capable of