Crossword Dictionary

ABILITY

ability - n 
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment 

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Synonyms

capability, capacity, competence, intelligence, qualification, skill, strength, talent, understanding, aptitude, competency, comprehension, dexterity, endowment, facility, faculty, might, potentiality, resourcefulness

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Examples

Freedom from that ugly feeling gave her the ability to speak of it lightly for the first time.

Your ability to heal makes you what we'd call a Natural, a human with extraordinary capabilities.

What was this sudden obsession with her ability to run the ranch, and what made him think she was qualified?

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Etymology

late 14c., "state or condition of being able; capacity to do or act," from Old French ableté "ability (to inherit)," from Latin habilitatem (nominative habilitas, in Medieval Latin abilitas) "aptitude, ability," noun of quality from habilis "easy to manage, handy" (see able). One case where a Latin silent -h- failed to make a return in English (despite efforts of 16c.-17c. scholars); see H. Also in Middle English, "suitableness, fitness." Abilities "one's talents or mental endowments" is from 1580s.

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