ability
ability Lexical Profile
ability Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Possession of the means, power, or capacity to do something physical or mental.
"The new software gives researchers the ability to analyze thousands of data points in seconds."
Talent, skill, or proficiency in a particular area.
"She demonstrated remarkable musical ability at a very young age."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Ability' is typically followed by the infinitive form of a verb ('the ability to read') rather than 'of' plus a gerund. Unlike 'capacity', which often implies a potential to learn, develop, or contain something, 'ability' refers to an existing power or skill that can be exercised immediately.
• Rhymes for ability
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'ableté', from Latin 'habilitas' ('aptitude, fitness'), derived from 'habilis' ('easy to manage, handy'), from the verb 'habere' ('to hold, have').