ability

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ability

/əˈbɪl.ə.ti/
/əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/

Rhymes with -ɪlɪti

Where it comes from

First attested in the 1300s. From Middle English abilite (“suitability, aptitude, ability”), from Old French ableté, from Latin habilitās (“aptness, ability”), from habilis (“apt, fit, skillful, able”); equivalent to able + -ity.

noun abilities · abilitie · hability · habilitie

countable, obsolete, uncountable Suitableness.
uncountable The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power. This phone has the ability to have its software upgraded wirelessly.
countable, uncountable The legal wherewithal to act. The ability to shift profits to low-tax countries by locating intellectual property in them, which is then licensed to related businesses in high-tax countries, is often assumed to be the preserve of high-tech companies.
countable, uncountable Physical power.
archaic, countable, uncountable Financial ability.
uncountable A unique power of the mind; a faculty.
countable A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude. a mixed-ability class

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