noun
ability
uh-BIL-uh-tee/əˈbɪləti/
The capacity or skill to do something.
His ability to carve fine details brings the wooden bird to life.
Etymology
Habilis described something handy or easily managed, hence fit for a purpose. Ability names that fitness as a quality: the capacity or skill needed to do something.
In context
it's classic and most interesting ability is its music the panpipe melodies it plays can charm frighten or put foes to sleep
More examples
- The injury limited his ability to climb stairs.
- The course develops students' writing abilities.
- They chose the candidate for her demonstrated ability.
Forms
ability · abilities