be capable of

/biː ˈkeɪpəbəl əv/

have the ability to do something

She is capable of solving complex problems.

This means she has the skill and ability to solve difficult problems.

general

To have the ability, skill, or capacity to do something

Modern computers are capable of processing vast amounts of data.

This means they have the technical ability to handle large data sets.

He is not capable of understanding advanced mathematics.

This means he lacks the ability to comprehend complex math concepts.

This phrase is often used to describe someone's skills, abilities, or the capabilities of systems or objects.

Collocations

be capable of doingused to specify the action someone or something can performbe capable of handlingused to describe the ability to manage or deal with something

to have the ability to do something

to be good at a particular activity

While 'be capable of' is more formal, 'be able to' is more commonly used in everyday conversation.

Use 'be capable of' to describe abilities, not desires or preferences.

The word 'capable' comes from the Latin 'capabilis', meaning 'able to hold or contain', from 'capere' meaning 'to take or hold'.

This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe abilities. It can refer to physical, mental, or technical capabilities.

to exist or have a certain quality

verb

capable

having the ability or power to do something

adjective

indicates the relationship between the subject and the action

preposition

English Dictionary