Abile

Abile is an Italian adjective meaning capable, skilled, or dexterous. It is used to describe a person who can perform tasks well, or to refer to a method, tool, or action that is effective. For people, it can be used like: “È una persona molto abile al lavoro” or “È un abile artigiano.” For actions or objects, one might say “un uso abile della lingua,” “una mano abile” or “una manovra abile.” The word often emphasizes practical competence and dexterity in real-world tasks.

Grammar and usage notes: Abile agrees with the noun in gender and number. The singular form is abile for both masculine and feminine (un uomo abile, una donna abile). The plural form is abili for both genders (uomini abili, donne abili). The comparative is più abile and the superlative il più abile. Abile is commonly paired with essere, diventare, or fare, as in “diventare abile nel suonare” or “essere abile a risolvere problemi.” A related noun is abilità, meaning skill or ability, as in “ha molta abilità manuale.”

Etymology: Abile derives from Latin habilis, meaning “fit, suitable,” ultimately linked to habēre “to have.” The term entered Italian through historical linguistic development from Latin into the romance languages, retaining the sense of fitness or aptitude.

Synonyms and contrasts: Closest synonyms include capace, competente, esperto. Abile often conveys practical dexterity, whereas capace can emphasize general capability or potential. Abilità is the corresponding noun, used to discuss a person’s skill set.

Notes: Abile is a standard, neutral term in Italian and is not a proper noun in typical usage. It appears widely in education, work, sports, and everyday description to denote competence.