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 refers to having the power, skill, or means to do something in a general sense.
- Capable often implies potential or suitability for doing or achieving a specific task.
- Use able when you are referring to the ability of a person to actually do something right now.
- Use capable when you are referring to someones potential to perform tasks, even if they havent done them yet.
- To recall: able is more immediate and direct, while capable denotes potential or possibility.
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