Meaning & Definition of Able in English

1. (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

• "Able to swim"

• "She was able to program her computer"

• "We were at last able to buy a car"

• "Able to get a grant for the project"

2. Have the skills and qualifications to do things well

• "Able teachers"

• "A capable administrator"

• "Children as young as 14 can be extremely capable and dependable"

3. Having inherent physical or mental ability or capacity

• "Able to learn"

• "Human beings are able to walk on two feet"

• "Superman is able to leap tall buildings"

4. Having a strong healthy body

• "An able seaman"

• "Every able-bodied young man served in the army"