adj.
Pronunciation: ' k ā -p ə -b ə l, in rapid speech ' k ā p-b ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French capable, from Late Latin capabilis, irregular from Latin capere to take ― more at HEAVE
Date: 1579
1 : SUSCEPTIBLE <a remark capable of being misunderstood>
2 obsolete : COMPREHENSIVE
3 : having attributes (as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment <is capable of intense concentration>
4 : having traits conducive to or features permitting <this woman is capable of murder by violence ― Robert Graves> <an outer coat of light color capable of reflecting solar heat ― Current Biog. >
5 : having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform
6 : having or showing general efficiency and ability <a capable lawyer> <a capable performance>
– ca · pa · ble · ness \ ' k ā -p ə -b ə l-n ə s \ noun
– ca · pa · bly \ -p ə -bl ē \ adverb