facilidad

/fa.si.liˈðað/
ease

Aprender un idioma requiere facilidad para las palabras.

Learning a language requires ease with words.


general

The quality of being easy to do or understand; lack of difficulty.

La facilidad con la que resolvió el problema sorprendió a todos.

The ease with which he solved the problem surprised everyone.

Tiene una gran facilidad para los idiomas.

He has a great ease with languages.

Used to describe innate ability or effortless performance.

general

A feature or circumstance that makes something easier or more convenient.

La facilidad de uso de este software es excelente.

The ease of use of this software is excellent.

Often used in product descriptions or reviews.

formal

Inclination or disposition to do something without resistance.

La facilidad con la que aceptó la propuesta fue inesperada.

The ease with which he accepted the proposal was unexpected.

Rare in modern usage; more common in older texts.

Pro Tip

Avoid false friends

In English, 'facility' usually refers to a building or installation (e.g., 'a research facility'), not 'ease.' Use 'ease' or 'convenience' for 'facilidad.'

Gold Rule

Context matters

'Facilidad' can mean innate ability (e.g., 'facilidad para los idiomas') or effortless performance (e.g., 'habló con facilidad'). Pay attention to the context to distinguish between the two.

Word Origin

From Latin *facilitas* (ease, readiness), derived from *facilis* (easy). Entered Spanish via Old Occitan or directly from Latin in the 13th century.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in both everyday speech and formal writing. In modern contexts, it often refers to innate ability (e.g., 'facilidad para las matemáticas') or product features (e.g., 'facilidad de navegación'). Avoid confusing with 'facilidad' as a false friend for 'facility' in English (which can mean a building or installation).

Word Breakdown

facil-
root from Latin *facilis* (easy)
root
+
-idad
suffix forming abstract nouns (similar to '-ity' in English)
suffix
Diccionario Español-Inglés