Link Centre Dictionary

ability

abi·lity

UK/əˈbɪl.ə.ti/ US/əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ common

noun

1.

the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

Antonyms
2.

possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done

  • “danger heightened his powers of discrimination”
Synonyms
Antonyms

Origin

First attested in the 1300s. From Middle English abilite (“suitability, aptitude, ability”), from Old French ableté, from Latin habilitās (“aptness, ability”), from habilis (“apt, fit, skillful, able”); equivalent to able + -ity.

Phrases

  • ability grouping
  • ability point
  • ability to pay

Related words

Broader terms

Narrower terms

WordNet 2.1 (Princeton University). Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). CMU Pronouncing Dictionary. WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved. Wiktionary content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike Licence.