Definition of: able

(ā′bəl) adjective a·bler (ā′blər), a·blest (ā′blist)
1. Having adequate power; competent; qualified.
2. Having superior abilities; capable. See synonyms under ADEQUATE, CLEVER, COMPETENT, GOOD, SAGACIOUS. [<OF hable able <L habilis manageable, suitable, fit < habere have, hold] -able or -ible suffix
1. Given to; tending to; like to: peaceable, changeable.
2. Fit to; able to; capable of; worthy of: eatable, salable, solvable. The -able ending is extended in English to form adjectives from native verbs, nouns, and phrases, as answerable, plowable. get-at-able, etc. [<F <L -abilis, -ibilis, -bilis]