Capable

Capable is an adjective used to describe someone or something that has the ability, power, or fitness to do something. It can apply to people, devices, processes, or institutions that can perform a task, endure a condition, or meet a requirement.

Originating in Middle English via Old French capable, from Latin capabilis “able to take/hold,” ultimately from capere “to take.” The word has long carried a sense of potential as well as current competence.

In everyday usage, capable expresses potential or suitability, rather than an outstanding level of skill. It is typically followed by of plus a gerund or noun: “capable of solving the problem,” “capable of withstanding the pressure.” The form “capable to” is usually considered incorrect.

Examples include: “The team is capable of delivering the project on time.” “A capable algorithm can adapt to changing inputs.” “The device is capable of functioning for several hours on battery power.”

Capable is related to capability (the quality or ability itself), capacity (potential or maximum output), and the adverb capably. It is close in meaning to competent or proficient, though capable often emphasizes potential or suitability rather than demonstrated excellence.