capable

Word Origin & History

1560s, from Middle French capable or directly from Late Latin capabilis "receptive; able to grasp or hold," used by theologians, from Latin capax "able to hold much, broad, wide, roomy;" also "receptive, fit for;" adjectival form of capere "to grasp, lay hold, take, catch; undertake; take in, hold; be large enough for; comprehend," from PIE *kap- "to grasp" (cf. Sanskrit kapati "two handfuls;" Greek kaptein "to swallow, gulp down;" Lettish kampiu "seize;" Old Irish cacht "servant-girl," literally "captive;" Welsh caeth "captive, slave;" Gothic haban "have, hold;" Old English hæft "handle," habban "to have, hold," Modern English have). Related: Capably.

Example Sentences forcapable

But you shall see how I'll help you with your work; I was capable of it all the time.

It passed, and the next moment she was on her feet again, capable of action.

If I am capable of judging, our tempers and inclinations are vastly different.

She is so capable and the girls not only like her but respect her as well.

The Duke wanted a capable candidate to help him regain his ascendency.

A modern example of the effects it is capable of is recorded by Tartini.

And to-day we have three novelists of the third class, good, capable craftsmen.

The one was capable of genuine sympathy; the other not yet of any.

I should never have thought you capable of showing such a lack of principle.

Yet, it was capable of meaning much concerning the nature of the lad.

capable

fittest

gifted

good

hardy

intelligent

more adequate

more competent

more effective

capable

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