ability
UK: əˈbɪləti | US: əˈbɪləti
n. the power or skill to do something
n. a natural or acquired talent or competence
n. (legal) the capacity to perform an act or fulfill an obligation
ability = able<capable> + ity<noun suffix>
- able: Derived from Latin habilis ("easily handled, adaptable"), from habere ("to hold"). In English, it evolved to mean "having the power or means to do something."
- ity: A noun-forming suffix from Latin -itas, indicating a state or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word "ability" traces back to Latin habilitas ("aptitude, skill"), which stems from habilis ("handy, skillful"). The core idea revolves around "holding" or "managing" (from habere), metaphorically extending to mental or physical capacity. Over time, the prefix ab- (from Latin ad-, "to") merged with habilitas, simplifying to "ability" in Middle English. The suffix -ity solidifies its meaning as a noun denoting a state of being capable.
Her ability to solve complex problems impressed the team.
The course aims to develop students' analytical abilities.
Physical ability declines with age if not maintained.
He demonstrated remarkable ability in learning languages.
The job requires the ability to work under pressure.