Master confusing words with ease
Able vs. Capable
Able
/ˈeɪbəl/Examples:
By now he was unquestionably the ablest radiochemist in the world.My insides are ready, willing and able all the time.She would be able to look in his eyes.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Capable
/ˈkeɪpəbəl/Examples:
But, though capable of standing, he was not capable of walking.I was capable of love, but everyone hated me.'I was capable of love and kindness.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Able is often used to describe someone's general ability or power to do something.
- Capable suggests skill or proficiency, often in the context of something specific.
- Someone is able if they have the inherent power or skill to perform an action, whereas they are capable if they are competent to achieve a specific task.
- Use able to refer to overall ability or power and capable to indicate expertise or effectiveness in a particular situation.
- Remember: Able is about potential, capable is about demonstrating aptitude in specific situations.
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