Langimage
English

ables

|a-bles|

B1

/ˈeɪbəlz/

(able)

capable

Base FormPluralComparativeSuperlative
ableablesablerablest
Etymology
Etymology Information

'able' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'habilis', where 'hab-' meant 'to have' or 'to hold'.

Historical Evolution

'habilis' transformed into the Old French word 'able', and eventually became the modern English word 'able'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'capable of holding or having', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having the power, skill, or means to do something'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

plural form of 'able', used in specific contexts or as a playful or informal term.

The ables in the group were tasked with leading the project.

Last updated: 2025/04/03 09:51