ability
ability
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling of "ability"
IPA: /əˈbɪləti/
ə: Schwa (reduced vowel sound, similar to the "a" in "about")
ˈbɪ: Syllable stress on the second syllable
l: Liquid consonant (lateral sound)
ə: Schwa (reduced vowel sound)
ti: The "t" sound followed by the "i" sound
Word Form Variations
The word "ability" is already in its singular form. It does not have a plural form.
However, it can be used in different grammatical contexts:
Noun: ability (singular)
Adjective: able (meaning having the ability to do something)
Verb: enable (meaning to make someone able to do something)
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun
Definition: The power or capacity to do something.
Synonyms: aptitude, talent, skill, capacity, faculty
Antonyms: inability, incapacity, disability
Example: He has a natural ability for languages.
Adjective (able)
Definition: Having the power or capacity to do something.
Synonyms: capable, competent, qualified, proficient
Antonyms: unable, incapable, incompetent
Example: She is able to speak French fluently.
Verb (enable)
Definition: To make someone or something able to do something.
Synonyms: empower, authorize, equip, qualify
Antonyms: disable, prohibit, prevent
Example: The new software will enable us to work more efficiently.
Examples of Use
Books
"He possessed a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life." (From The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald)
"She had an innate ability to see the beauty in everything." (From The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett)
Newspapers
"The company is investing heavily in research and development to improve its ability to compete in the global market." (The New York Times)
"The government's ability to respond effectively to natural disasters has been questioned." (The Guardian)
Online Publications
"Social media platforms have given individuals the ability to express themselves freely and connect with people from all over the world." (The Atlantic)
"Climate change is testing the world's ability to cooperate and find solutions to global challenges." (National Geographic)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
"The character's incredible ability to fly and shoot lasers makes him a superhero." (Marvel Comics)
"The singer's vocal ability is truly exceptional." (Billboard)
General Public Discourse
"I don't have the ability to solve this problem on my own." (Everyday conversation)
"The government needs to improve its ability to provide essential services to its citizens." (Political debate)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Ability
"Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." — Lou Holtz
"Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence—more than ability alone." — Colin Powell
"The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and influence their actions." — John Hancock
"It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well." — René Descartes (implied: ability without application is wasted)
"Ability is of little account without opportunity." — Napoleon Bonaparte
"A man’s ability is tested not in comfort, but in crisis." — Anonymous
"The measure of a man’s real character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out." — Thomas Babington Macaulay (ability to act with integrity)
"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." — Hans Hofmann
"To know one’s own ability and to build on it is true power." — Anonymous
"Your ability to discipline yourself to set clear goals and work toward them every day will do more for your success than any other single factor." — Brian Tracy
Etymology
Ability comes from the Latin word habilis, which means "skillful" or "apt." This Latin word was then adopted into Old French as habile. From Old French, "habile" was borrowed into English as "able," meaning "having the power or capacity to do something."
The word "ability" is a noun derived from the adjective "able." It first appeared in English around the 14th century, meaning "the quality of being able." Over time, the meaning of "ability" has expanded to include the broader concept of power or capacity to do something.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Ability
Common Phrases
"To the best of one's ability": To the greatest extent possible.
"Within one's abilities": Within the limits of one's capabilities.
"To be out of one's ability": To be beyond one's capabilities.
Idioms with Synonyms
"To be all thumbs": To be clumsy or awkward (similar to "to be lacking in ability")
"To have a knack for": To have a natural talent or ability (similar to "to have an ability for")
"To be a natural": To have a talent or ability that comes easily (similar to "to have an ability")
Lesser-Known Phrases
"To have a gift for": To have a natural talent or ability
"To be endowed with": To be naturally equipped with a talent or ability
"To be proficient in": To be skilled or competent in something
Note: While "ability" is a common word, it's not as frequently used in idioms or set phrases compared to other words. This is likely because "ability" is a more general term, while many idioms and phrases are more specific and colorful.
Posts Related to Ability
Source Information
Definition of ability from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
