Definition of "able" in English

adjective

1. Having the necessary powers or the needed resources to accomplish a task.

   • She is able to lift the box without assistance.

2. Free from constraints preventing completion of task; permitted to; not prevented from.

   • In a democratic world you'd be able to say what you thought wherever you were.
   • I'll see you as soon as I'm able.
   • With that obstacle removed, I am now able to proceed with my plan.

3. Gifted with skill, intelligence, knowledge, or competence.

   • The chairman was also an able sailor.

4. (law) Legally qualified or competent.

   • He is able to practice law in six states.

5. (nautical) Capable of performing all the requisite duties; as an able seaman.

6. (obsolete, dialectal) Having the physical strength; robust; healthy.

   • After the past week of forced marches, only half the men are fully able.

7. (obsolete) Easy to use.

8. (obsolete) Suitable; competent.

9. (obsolete, dialectal) Liable to.

10. (obsolete) Rich; well-to-do.

    • He was born to an able family.

verb

1. (transitive, obsolete) To make ready.

2. (transitive, obsolete) To make capable; to enable.

3. (transitive, obsolete) To dress.

4. (transitive, obsolete) To give power to; to reinforce; to confirm.

5. (transitive, obsolete) To vouch for; to guarantee.

6. present participle and gerund of can

   • I might be able to go.
   • I have been able to go, since I was seven.
   • I had been able to go before.
   • I will be able to go tomorrow.

noun

1. (military) The letter "A" in Navy Phonetic Alphabet.