ability Definition

ability
noun abilities

1. The power, skill or knowledge to do something.

Thesaurus: skill, proficiency, capability, aptitude, faculty, expertise, talent, facility, qualification, strength.
2. Great skill or intelligence.

Etymology: 14c: from French ableté, remodelled in English on its ultimate origin, Latin habilitas suitability, though the spelled h- was dropped again by 1700.

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able
adj abler, ablest

1. Having the necessary knowledge, power, time, opportunity, etc to do something.

Thesaurus: capable, qualified, competent; Antonym: incapable.
2. Clever or skilful.

Thesaurus: capable, adept, skilled, proficient, competent, adroit, deft, talented, expert, masterful; Antonym: incapable, incompetent.

Derivative: ability

See separate entry.

Derivative: ably
adverb

Etymology: 14c: from Latin habilis handy.