ability
/əˈbɪlɪti/noun★Intermediate— capacity or skill to do something
general
The power or capacity to do or act physically, mentally, or legally.
The athlete's ability to recover quickly from injuries is remarkable.
This highlights his physical capacity to heal fast.
💡
Can refer to physical, mental, or legal capacities.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'ability' to describe someone's potential or skill in a specific area.
⚡Gold Rule
Correct Usage
'Ability' is a countable noun, so it can be pluralized (e.g., 'abilities').
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'abilite', from Old French 'abilite', from Latin 'abilitas', from 'abilis' (able).
📝Usage Notes
Often used to describe a person's potential or competence in a specific area.
Word Breakdown
able
capable of
root-ity
quality or state of
suffixEnglish Dictionary