Able

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈeɪ.blÌ©/
• Rhymes: -eɪbÉ™l
• Homophones: Abel

Alternative forms

• obsolete hable

From Middle English, from Old Northern French able, variant of Old French abile, habile, from Latin habilis ("easily managed, held, or handled; apt; skillful"), from habeō ("have, hold").

Full definition of able

Adjective

1. (obsolete, passive) Easy to use. Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the mid 18^th century.

• 1710, Thomas Betterton, The life of Mr. Thomas Betterton, the late eminent tragedian.:As the hands are the most habil parts of the body...
1. (obsolete, passive) Suitable; competent. Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the late 18^th century.
• 2006, Jon L. Wakelyn, America's Founding Charters: Primary Documents of Colonial and Revolutionary Era Governance, Volume 1, Greenwood Publishing Group, pages 212:...and for every able man servant that he or she shall carry or send armed and provided as aforesaid, ninety acres of land of like measure.
2. (obsolete, dialectal, passive) Liable to. First attested from around (1350 to 1470).
3. Having the necessary powers or the needed resources to accomplish a task. First attested from around (1350 to 1470).
4. Free from constraints preventing completion of task; permitted to; not prevented from. First attested from around 1350 to 1470).I’ll see you as soon as I’m able.With that obstacle removed, I am now able to proceed with my plan.I’m only able to visit you when I have other work here.That cliff is able to be climbed.
5. (obsolete, dialectal) Having the physical strength; robust; healthy. First attested from around (1350 to 1470).After the past week of forced marches, only half the men are fully able.
6. (obsolete) Rich; well-to-do. Attested from the mid 16^th century until the late 19^th century.He was born to an able family.
7. Gifted with skill, intelligence, knowledge, or competence. First attested in the mid 16^th century.The chairman was also an able sailor.
8. (legal) Legally qualified or competent. First attested in the early 18^th century.He is able to practice law in six states.
9. (nautical) Capable of performing all the requisite duties; as an able seaman. First attested in the late 18^th century.

Synonyms

Derived terms

From Middle English ablen, from Middle English able (adjective).

MW3 1976|page=4

Verb

1. (transitive, obsolete) To make ready. Attested from around (1150 to 1350) until the late 16^th century.
2. (transitive, obsolete) To make capable; to enable. Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the late 19^th century.
3. (transitive, obsolete) To dress. Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the late 15^th century.
4. (transitive, obsolete) To give power to; to reinforce; to confirm. Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the mid 17^th century.
5. (transitive, obsolete) To vouch for; to guarantee. Attested from the late 16^th century until the early 17^th century.
• Shakespeare Lear|IV viNone does offend, none....I’ll able ’em.

Derived terms

• abled

Noun

1. A word that is used in place of the letter "A" during communication.

Anagrams

• Abel, albe, bale, Elba