capaces

Capaces is the plural form of the Spanish adjective capaz, meaning capable or able. It describes people or things that have the ability to perform a task. In Spanish, capaz is invariable in gender in the singular (un hombre capaz, una mujer capaz), while capaces is the plural form used with masculine, feminine, or mixed groups of nouns.

Origin and development: The adjective capaz derives from Latin capax, meaning able to hold or contain, through the evolution of Old Spanish. The sense broadened over time to express general competence or suitability.

Usage: Capaces is used to describe multiple subjects that can accomplish something. It is commonly combined with ser capable de or poder to express ability: “Los estudiantes son capaces de resolver el problema” or “Ella es capaz de lograrlo.” The word conveys competence, readiness, or qualification rather than mere intention.

Grammatical notes: Capaces agrees in number with the noun it modifies and is used for both masculine and feminine plural subjects. The corresponding feminine singular form is capaz, and the masculine singular is capaz as well.

Nominal use: In literary or rhetorical contexts, capaces can function as a nominal phrase meaning “the capable ones,” though in everyday speech it is more common to specify the subject with a noun phrase such as “personas capaces.”

See also: capaz, capacidad, apto, competente.