capable

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French capable, from Late Latin capābilis.

adj

  1. Able and efficient; having the ability needed for a specific task; having the disposition to do something; permitting or being susceptible to something.
    She is capable and efficient.
    He does not need help; he is capable of eating on his own.
    As everyone knew, he was capable of violence when roused.
    That fact is not capable of proof.
  2. (obsolete) Of sufficient capacity or size for holding, containing, receiving or taking in; accessible to. Construed with of, for or an infinitive.
    The place chosen was the cathedral church, capable of about 400 persons. 1672, Lord Herbert, The Life and Reign of King Henry the Eighth, page 594
    He has begun a road capable of a wheel-carriage. 1775, Samuel Johnson, A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland (Works 10.479), page 304

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