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ABILITY
ability
(noun) the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
ability, power
(noun) possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done; “danger heightened his powers of discrimination”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
ability (countable and uncountable, plural abilities)
(obsolete) Suitableness. [Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the late 17th century.]
(uncountable) The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power. [First attested from around (1350 to 1470).]
The legal wherewithal to act. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]
(now, limited to Scottish dialects) Physical power. [First attested from around (1350 to 1470).]
(archaic) Financial ability. [First attested in the early 16th century.]
(uncountable) A unique power of the mind; a faculty. [First attested in the late 16 th century.]
(countable) A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude. [First attested in the early 17 th century.]
Usage notes
• Ability, capacity : these words come into comparison when applied to the higher intellectual powers.
Capacity has reference to the receptive powers. In its higher exercises it supposes great quickness of apprehension and breadth of intellect, with an uncommon aptitude for acquiring and retaining knowledge. Hence it carries with it the idea of resources and undeveloped power. Thus we speak of the extraordinary capacity of such men as Lord Bacon, Blaise Pascal, and Edmund Burke. "Capacity," says H. Taylor, "is requisite to devise, and ability to execute, a great enterprise."
• The word abilities, in the plural, embraces both these qualities, and denotes high mental endowments.
Synonyms
• (quality or state of being able): capacity, faculty, capability
• (a skill or competence): See skill
• (high level of skill or capability): talent, cleverness, dexterity, aptitude
• (suitability or receptiveness to be acted upon): capability, faculty, capacity, aptness, aptitude
Antonyms
• inability, unability
• disability
Source: Wiktionary
A*bil"i*ty, n.; pl. Abilities(#). Etym: [F. habileté, earlier spelling habilité (with silent h), L. habilitas aptitude, ability, fr. habilis apt. See Able.]
Definition: The quality or state of being able; power to perform, whether physical, moral, intellectual, conventional, or legal; capacity; skill or competence in doing; sufficiency of strength, skill, resources, etc.; -- in the plural, faculty, talent. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren. Acts xi. 29. Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study. Bacon. The public men of England, with much of a peculiar kind of ability. Macaulay.
Syn.
– Capacity; talent; cleverness; faculty; capability; efficiency; aptitude; aptness; address; dexterity; skill. Ability, Capacity. These words come into comparison when applied to the higher intellectual powers. Ability has reference to the active exercise of our faculties. It implies not only native vigor of mind, but that ease and promptitude of execution which arise from mental training. Thus, we speak of the ability with which a book is written, an argument maintained, a negotiation carried on, etc. It always something to be done, and the power of doing it. Capacity has reference to the receptive powers. In its higher exercises it supposes great quickness of apprehension and breadth of intellect, with an uncommon aptitude for acquiring and retaining knowledge. Hence it carries with it the idea of resources and undeveloped power. Thus we speak of the extraordinary capacity of such men as Lord Bacon, Blaise Pascal, and Edmund Burke. "Capacity," says H. Taylor, "is requisite to devise, and ability to execute, a great enterprise." The word abilities, in the plural, embraces both these qualities, and denotes high mental endowments.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
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