Reading Theme:
Capable: Meaning, Usage, and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：having the ability (capable)
capable
/ˈkeɪpəbəl/
adj.
Having the ability, skill, or power to do something well.
having the ability
➕
/ˈhævɪŋ ði əˈbɪlɪti/
adj.
Describes a person who possesses the necessary skill, power, or qualification to do something effectively.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'capere' (to take) + '-able', meaning 'able to take' or 'having the capacity'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a person wearing a cape (cap-) and being totally able—that's capable!
📖 Example
My teacher says I am a capable student who can handle complex science projects.
My teacher says I am a capable student who can handle complex science projects.
🔗 Collocations
capable of – having the ability to do something
highly capable – very skilled or competent
capable leader – a leader with strong abilities
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
incapable (adj.) – Lacking the ability or qualification to do something.
incompetent (adj.) – Not having the necessary skills or ability to do something successfully.
unskilled (adj.) – Lacking training or expertise in a particular field.
🌱 Derivatives
capability (n.) – The power or ability to do something.
capably (adv.) – In a capable manner; competently.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'capable' entered English around the 16th century from French 'capable', ultimately from Latin 'capabilis', based on 'capere' (to take). It is often used in performance reviews to describe skilled employees or reliable technology.
Meaning 2：having the capacity for (capable)
capable
/ˈkeɪpəbəl/
adj.
Describing something that has the qualities or capacity needed for a particular function.
having the capacity for
➕
/ˈhævɪŋ ðə kəˈpæsəti fɔːr/
adj.
Refers to an object, device, or system that has the necessary qualities or power to perform a specific function or achieve a certain result.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
This new smartphone battery is capable of lasting a full day with heavy use.
This new smartphone battery is capable of lasting a full day with heavy use.
🔗 Collocations
capable of – having the capacity to do something
capable of handling – able to manage or process something
capable of sustaining – able to maintain or support something over time
🔄 Synonyms
designed to (phrase) – Built or intended for a particular purpose.
able to (phrase) – Having the means or power to do something.
qualified for (phrase) – Meeting the requirements or standards for a specific function.
🚫 Antonyms
incapable of (phrase) – Lacking the capacity or ability to do something.
unable to (phrase) – Not having the means or power to do something.
🌱 Derivatives
capability (n.) – The capacity or ability of a system to perform a function.
capably (adv.) – In a way that demonstrates sufficient power or ability.
Wordbook
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