noun

capacity

The role in which someone acts.

She attends the meeting in her capacity as treasurer.

Etymology

Latin capacitas expressed capacity or ability. From the powers someone possesses, capacity extends to the position or authority under which that person acts.

More examples

  • He speaks in a personal capacity.
  • The lawyer acts in an advisory capacity.
  • She has served the organization in several capacities.

Forms

capacity · capacities

Similar words

role
The function or part someone performs.
position
Often names a formal job or place in a hierarchy.