Reading Theme:
Capability Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：natural ability (capability)
capability
/ˌkeɪ.pəˈbɪl.ə.ti/
n.
The natural or acquired power that a person or organization has to achieve something.
natural ability
➕
/ˈnætʃ.ər.əl əˈbɪl.ə.ti/
n.
The inherent or developed power to perform a particular task or achieve a goal.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'capere' (to take) + '-ability', meaning the quality of being able to hold or do.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'cap' as in 'capacity' – your 'capability' is your capacity to act.
📖 Example
After months of practice, she demonstrated a remarkable capability for solving complex math problems.
After months of practice, she demonstrated a remarkable capability for solving complex math problems.
🔗 Collocations
have the capability to do something – has the ability or power to do something
capability for (doing) something – natural talent or skill in a particular area
enhance capability – improve one's ability to perform
🔄 Synonyms
ability (n.) – The power or skill to do something.
capacity (n.) – The maximum amount that something can contain or produce; also used for innate ability.
competence (n.) – The ability to do something successfully or efficiently.
🚫 Antonyms
inability (n.) – Lack of ability to do something.
incapacity (n.) – Lack of capacity or ability.
incompetence (n.) – Lack of the necessary skill or ability.
🌱 Derivatives
capable (adj.) – Having the ability, fitness, or quality necessary to do or achieve a specified thing.
capably (adv.) – In a capable manner.
capabilities (n.) – Multiple abilities or capacities.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'capabilis' (able to take in), entering English in the 16th century. In modern usage, it often describes a system's or person's upper limit of performance, especially in tech and business contexts.
Meaning 2：processing ability (capability)
capability
/ˌkeɪ.pəˈbɪl.ə.ti/
n.
What a machine, software, or system is able to do and how well it can handle complex tasks.
processing ability
➕
/ˈprɑː.ses.ɪŋ əˈbɪl.ə.ti/
n.
The maximum performance or functional capacity that a machine, software, or system can deliver.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
This new smartphone has the processing capability to run high-demand games smoothly.
This new smartphone has the processing capability to run high-demand games smoothly.
🔗 Collocations
processing capability – The ability to handle data or tasks.
computing capability – The power of a computer to perform calculations.
system capability – The total functions a system can perform.
🔄 Synonyms
capacity (n.) – The maximum output or performance possible.
power (n.) – The ability to affect or effect something.
performance (n.) – The accomplishment of a given task measured against preset standards.
🚫 Antonyms
limitation (n.) – A restricting condition or lack of capability.
weakness (n.) – A point where a system is less capable.
deficiency (n.) – A lack of necessary capability.
🌱 Derivatives
capable (adj.) – Having the ability, fitness, or quality necessary to do or achieve a specified thing.
capably (adv.) – In a capable manner.
capabilities (n.) – Multiple abilities or capacities.
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