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| a·bil·i·ty [ ə bíllətee ] (plural a·bil·i·ties) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. being able: a natural tendency to do something successfully or well
 The vehicle has the ability to perform well on really rough terrain.
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2. intelligence or competence: a high degree of intelligence or competence
We need people of your ability.
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3. natural gift for something: a particular gift for doing something well
a student with impressive musical abilities
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| [14th century. Via Old French ablete< Latin habilitas "suitability, aptness" < habilis (see able)] |
| Word Key: Synonyms |
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ability, skill, competence, aptitude, talent, capacity, capability
CORE MEANING: the necessary skill, knowledge, or experience to do something
ability a natural tendency to do something successfully or well;
an event open to people of all ages and abilities
Honeybees show a remarkable ability to respond collectively to external stimuli.
skill the ability to do something well gained through training or experience;
She made all the arrangements with consummate skill and professionalism.
good communication skills
competence the ability to do something well, measured against a standard, especially ability acquired through experience or training;
the professional competence built up over the preceding 20 years
has reached a high level of competence in arithmetic
aptitude a natural tendency to do something well, especially one that can be further developed;
These students show a natural aptitude for mechanical construction.
talent an unusual natural ability to do something well, especially in artistic areas that can be developed by training;
had considerable talent as a teacher, as well as in music
a talent for modeling with clay
capacity mental or physical ability for something or to do something;
his youthful energy and capacity for hard work
a limited capacity to sustain interest in politics
capability the power or practical ability necessary for doing something;
It is beyond our official capability to influence these things.
the relationship between a company's size and its technological capabilities |
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