able

comparative abler · superlative ablest · alternative obsolete hable

1. Having the necessary powers or the needed resources to accomplish a task.First known use First attested from around (1350 to 1470).

   She is able to lift the box without assistance.

2. Free from constraints preventing completion of task; permitted to; not prevented from.First known use First attested from around (1350 to 1470).

   I'll see you as soon as I'm able.

   2 more examples

   In a democratic world you'd be able to say what you thought wherever you were.

   With that obstacle removed, I am now able to proceed with my plan.

3. Gifted with skill, intelligence, knowledge, or competence.First known use First attested in the mid 16ᵗʰ century.

   The chairman was also an able sailor.

   2 more examples

   Natures that haue much Heat, and great and violent deſires and Perturbations, are not ripe for Action, till they haue paſſed the Meridian of their yeares: As it was with Iulius Cæſar, and Septimius Seuerus. […] And yet he [Septimus Severus] was the Ableſt Emperour, almoſt, of all the Liſt.

   1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of Youth and Age. XLII.”, in The Essayes […], 3rd edition, London: […] Iohn Haviland for Hanna Barret, →OCLC, pages 247–248

   Urania speaks with darken’d brow: ⁠‘Thou pratest here where thou art least; ⁠This faith has many a purer priest, And many an abler voice than thou: […]’

   1850, [Alfred, Lord Tennyson], “Canto XXXVII”, in In Memoriam, London: Edward Moxon, […], →OCLC, page 57

4. lawLegally qualified or competent.First known use First attested in the early 18ᵗʰ century.

   He is able to practice law in six states.

5. nauticalCapable of performing all the requisite duties; as an able seaman.First known use First attested in the late 18ᵗʰ century.
6. dialectalobsoleteHaving the physical strength; robust; healthy.First known use First attested from around (1350 to 1470).

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

7. obsoleteEasy to use.First known use Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the mid 18ᵗʰ century.

   As the hands are the most habil parts of the body...

   1710, Thomas Betterton, The life of Mr. Thomas Betterton, the late eminent tragedian.

8. obsoleteSuitable; competent.First known use Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the late 18ᵗʰ century.

   […] and for every able man servant that he or she shall carry or send armed and provided as aforesaid, ninety acres of land of like measure.

   2006, Jon L. Wakelyn, America's Founding Charters: Primary Documents of Colonial and Revolutionary Era Governance, volume 1, Greenwood Publishing Group, page 212

9. dialectalobsoleteLiable to.First known use First attested from around (1350 to 1470).
10. obsoleteRich; well-to-do.First known use Attested from the mid 16ᵗʰ century until the late 19ᵗʰ century.

    He was born to an able family.

present singular third person ables · participle present abling · participle past abled · past abled · alternative obsolete hable

1. obsoletetransitiveTo make ready.First known use Attested from around (1150 to 1350) until the late 16ᵗʰ century.
2. obsoletetransitiveTo make capable; to enable.First known use Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the late 19ᵗʰ century.
3. obsoletetransitiveTo dress.First known use Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the late 15ᵗʰ century.
4. obsoletetransitiveTo give power to; to reinforce; to confirm.First known use Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the mid 17ᵗʰ century.
5. obsoletetransitiveTo vouch for; to guarantee.First known use Attested from the late 16ᵗʰ century until the early 17ᵗʰ century.

   None does offend, none....I’ll able ’em.

   c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene vi]

6. gerundparticiplepresentpresent participle and gerund of can

   I might be able to go.

   3 more examples

   I have been able to go, since I was seven.

   I had been able to go before.

   I will be able to go tomorrow.

alternative obsolete hable

1. uncountablegovernmentThe letter "A" in Navy Phonetic Alphabet.

1. World War II era; joint US/RAF; World War II era; joint US/RAFradiotelephony clear-code word for the letter A.

   Synonyms: Alfa

plural Ables

1. A surname.

1. USabbreviationacronymbusinessAcronym of Achieving a Better Life Experience, a savings account for people with disabilities.

   This provision permanently allows designated beneficiaries who make qualified contributions to their ABLE account to qualify for the Saver’s Credit.

   2025 May 29, “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill”, in United States House Committee on Ways & Means, page 11