capableadj.n.

Brit.

/ˈkeɪpəbl/, U.S.

/ˈkeɪpəb(ə)l/

Etymology: < French capable (= Provençal capable), < late Latin capābil-em (in early theological use: see Du Cange), irregularly < Latin capĕre to take. The regular formation would have been capibilis; perhaps capābilis was influenced by capax: Beda Lib. de Orthogr. has ‘capax, qui facile capit; capabilis, qui facile capitur’ (Du Cange); so Augustine, but Cassiodorus c575 has it in the active sense = capax, as in the modern languages.

A. adj.

†1.

a. Able to take in, receive, contain, or hold; having room or capacity for. Const. of, for, or infinitive. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > condition of being internal > containing or having within > [adjective] > able to hold or contain

capable1571

capacious1614

continent1856

1571 T. Digges in L. Digges's Geom. Pract.: Pantometria xxv. sig. G g ij This transfygured bodye is also capable of two internall spheres.

1601 T. Wright Passions of Minde (1620) 330 They are almost capable of a bushel of wheate.

a1618 W. Raleigh Lett. (1651) 87 The other five ships stand at Trinidado, having no other Port capable for them near Guiana.

1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 25 Their Canoes..are..capable of three naked men.

1675 T. Hobbes tr. Homer Odysses iii. 450 The seat was large and capable of two.

1686 tr. J. Chardin Trav. Persia 246 Capable to lodge two hundred men.

1705 T. Hearne Ductor Historicus (ed. 2) I. iii. 467 The Moselle..being not capable of Ships of Burthen.

1775 S. Johnson Journey W. Islands 304 He has begun a road capable of a wheel-carriage.

†b. figurative. Able to take in with the mind or senses; able to perceive or comprehend. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > [adjective] > able to receive or be affected by > able to receive with the mind or senses

capace1555

capable1561

1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. i. f. 26 Only those things be painted and grauen wherof our eies are capable.

1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie i. x. 79 Capable we are of God both by vnderstanding and will.

a1662 P. Heylyn Cyprianus Anglicus (1668) i. 222 The likeliest way to make them capable of the inconveniences they should run into.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost viii. 49 Not capable her eare Of what was high.

†2.

a. absol. Able to hold much; roomy, capacious.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > [adjective] > roomy > capacious

capable1594

wide-side1606

captiousa1616

generous1615

capacious1656

spacious1819

continent1856

1594 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. II. 343 The rounde forme is most capable.

1617 F. Moryson Itinerary iii. ii. iii. 86 The hugest and most capable vessels in his Cellar.

1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine ii. ii. 75 That capable vessell of brass.

†b. figurative. Comprehensive. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > condition or state of being inclusive > [adjective] > inclusive or comprehensive

largea1400

wide1534

capable1592

inclusive1604

comprehensive1614

all-comprehensive1650

complexive1654

diffused1658

comprehensional1673

perileptic1678

all-encompassing1805

unexcluding1822

widish1845

all-embracing1847

unexclusive1852

all-inclusive1858

broad1872

embracive1897

periscopic1912

wide-angle1932

umbrella1949

1592 T. Nashe Pierce Penilesse (Brit. Libr. copy) sig. K You make this word Dæmon, a capable name of Gods, of men and of deuills.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1623) iii. iii. 462 Till that a capeable, and wide Reuenge Swallow them vp.

3. Able or fit to receive and be affected by; open to, susceptible:

†a. of anything material. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1611 C. Tourneur Atheist's Trag. (new ed.) v. sig. K3 If any roote of life remaines within 'em capable of Phisicke; feare 'em not, my Lord.

1612 J. Davies Discouerie Causes Ireland 5 The husbandman must first breake the Land, before it bee made capeable of good seede.

a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Chesh. 171 Some have Flesh, Salt, and Flesh capable thereof.

b. of things immaterial. archaic.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > [adjective] > able to receive or be affected by

capable1590

capacious1677

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [adjective] > having capacity

potentiala1398

capable1590

susceptiblea1639

possible1736

1590 R. Greene Neuer too Late ii. sig. G2 Mirimidas eares are not capable of any amorous persuasions.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 (1623) i. i. 171 You were aduis'd his flesh was capeable Of Wounds.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 283 His violence..being such, As wee, not capable of death or paine..can repell.

1858 H. Bushnell Nature & Supernatural x. 314 To be capable of his doctrine, only requires that the hearer be a human creature.

c. absol.

ΚΠ

1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iii. iv. 118 His forme and cause conioynd, preaching to stones Would make them capable .

4. Able to be affected by; of a nature, or in a condition, to allow or admit of; admitting; susceptible. Const. of, also absol.

ΚΠ

1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lvii. 126 Infants which are not capable of instruction.

1652 M. Nedham tr. J. Selden Of Dominion of Sea 11 The soil of a strange Citie is not capable of such a dedication.

1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 469. ¶5 He who is in any degree capable of Corruption.

1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron II. vii. xxxiii. 204 The Being of a God is capable of clear Proof.

1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. i. v. 90 It is easy to see, that we are capable of moral Improvement by Discipline.

1794 R. J. Sulivan View of Nature I. 45 [A matter] capable of explanation.

1868 J. H. Blunt Reformation Church of Eng. I. 407 It was a system capable of very ready abuse.

1871 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues IV. 61 Men differ from the lower animals in that they are capable of musical discipline.

a. Having the needful capacity, power, or fitness for (some specified purpose or activity). Const. of; formerly also infinitive.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > [adjective]

ablea1382

virtuousc1425

capyousc1430

capax1432

possiblea1460

bastant1594

capable1597

powerful1620

1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxxxi. 260 A qualitie which maketh capable of any function.

1630 Bp. J. Hall Occas. Medit. §v No other creature besides Man is capable to apprehend this beautie.

1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 264. ⁋1 How few there are capable of a religious, learned, or philosophick Solitude.

1737–59 P. Miller Gardeners Dict. The weaker trees being less capable to furnish a supply of nourishment.

1752 S. Johnson Rambler No. 207. ⁋8 Anything..capable of giving happiness.

1796 Bp. R. Watson Apol. for Bible 338 You are capable of better things.

1863 E. V. Neale Analogy Thought & Nature 51 Animals must be capable of forming general thoughts.

1879 Cassell's Techn. Educator (new ed.) IV. 91/3 A common compass-card, capable of free movement on a needle-point.

b. In a bad sense: Having the effrontery, depravity, wickedness for.

ΚΠ

a1680 S. Charnock Expos. Psalm x. 11 in C. H. Spurgeon Treasury of David (1870) I. 137 The criminal capable to practise them.

1777 E. Burke Corr. (1844) II. 144 They who are capable of being forgers, are capable of being incendiaries.

1867 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest I. vi. 460 Eadric was capable of every wickedness.

6. absol. Having general capacity, intelligence, or ability; qualified, gifted, able, competent.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > [adjective] > competent

goodc1275

sufficientc1385

suffisantc1385

capable1609

adequate1867

the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > common sense > [adjective]

wittyc1380

perceivedc1425

sensible?a1439

sober-minded1534

staida1555

sonsy1568

mother-witted1593

unfoolish1603

capable1609

sober1619

hard-headed1779

commonsensical1792

sensical1795

sober-minded1811

common-sensible1813

savvy1826

common sensed1834

level1869

level-headed1879

square-headed1896

1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida iii. iii. 297 Let mee beare another to his horse, for thats the more capable creature.

a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 24 The capablest man for business, and the best speaker in that Kingdom.

1728 J. Morgan Compl. Hist. Algiers I. v. 294 Giving him, when capable, the whole management of all his domestic affairs.

1857 A. Jameson Legends Madonna 237 Joseph as the vigilant and capable guardian of the Mother and the Child.

1871 J. S. Blackie Four Phases Morals i. 3 A more capable..witness could not be desired.

†7. Having some external, esp. a legal, capacity or qualification; qualified, entitled; in Law, qualified to hold or possess (property, etc.). Const. of, also absol. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > legal capacity > [adjective]

capable1608

1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear vi. 85 Of my land..ile worke the meanes to make thee capable .

1610 J. Guillim Display of Heraldrie ii. v. 53 Bastards are not capable of their fathers patrimonie.

1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts ii. 134 To keepe themselves from all legall pollution, that they might bee capable of eating the Passover.

1765 T. Hutchinson Hist. Colony Massachusets-Bay, 1628–91 (ed. 2) ii. 327 Protestants..were capable of being made freemen.

1806 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. VI. 517 The devisee must be a person capable at the death of the devisor.

1809 T. E. Tomlins Jacob's Law-dict. at Capacity An alien born..is capable of personal estate; but he is not capable of lands of inheritance.

B. n.

A capable person. rare.

ΚΠ

1901 Contemp. Rev. Mar. 410 A few hundred serious-minded capables.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1888; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	capable
释义	capableadj.n. Brit. /ˈkeɪpəbl/, U.S. /ˈkeɪpəb(ə)l/ Etymology: < French capable (= Provençal capable), < late Latin capābil-em (in early theological use: see Du Cange), irregularly < Latin capĕre to take. The regular formation would have been capibilis; perhaps capābilis was influenced by capax: Beda Lib. de Orthogr. has ‘capax, qui facile capit; capabilis, qui facile capitur’ (Du Cange); so Augustine, but Cassiodorus c575 has it in the active sense = capax, as in the modern languages. A. adj. †1. a. Able to take in, receive, contain, or hold; having room or capacity for. Const. of, for, or infinitive. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > condition of being internal > containing or having within > [adjective] > able to hold or contain capable1571 capacious1614 continent1856 1571 T. Digges in L. Digges's Geom. Pract.: Pantometria xxv. sig. G g ij This transfygured bodye is also capable of two internall spheres. 1601 T. Wright Passions of Minde (1620) 330 They are almost capable of a bushel of wheate. a1618 W. Raleigh Lett. (1651) 87 The other five ships stand at Trinidado, having no other Port capable for them near Guiana. 1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 25 Their Canoes..are..capable of three naked men. 1675 T. Hobbes tr. Homer Odysses iii. 450 The seat was large and capable of two. 1686 tr. J. Chardin Trav. Persia 246 Capable to lodge two hundred men. 1705 T. Hearne Ductor Historicus (ed. 2) I. iii. 467 The Moselle..being not capable of Ships of Burthen. 1775 S. Johnson Journey W. Islands 304 He has begun a road capable of a wheel-carriage. †b. figurative. Able to take in with the mind or senses; able to perceive or comprehend. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > [adjective] > able to receive or be affected by > able to receive with the mind or senses capace1555 capable1561 1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. i. f. 26 Only those things be painted and grauen wherof our eies are capable. 1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie i. x. 79 Capable we are of God both by vnderstanding and will. a1662 P. Heylyn Cyprianus Anglicus (1668) i. 222 The likeliest way to make them capable of the inconveniences they should run into. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost viii. 49 Not capable her eare Of what was high. View more context for this quotation †2. a. absol. Able to hold much; roomy, capacious. ΘΚΠ the world > space > [adjective] > roomy > capacious capable1594 wide-side1606 captiousa1616 generous1615 capacious1656 spacious1819 continent1856 1594 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. II. 343 The rounde forme is most capable. 1617 F. Moryson Itinerary iii. ii. iii. 86 The hugest and most capable vessels in his Cellar. 1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine ii. ii. 75 That capable vessell of brass. †b. figurative. Comprehensive. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > condition or state of being inclusive > [adjective] > inclusive or comprehensive largea1400 wide1534 capable1592 inclusive1604 comprehensive1614 all-comprehensive1650 complexive1654 diffused1658 comprehensional1673 perileptic1678 all-encompassing1805 unexcluding1822 widish1845 all-embracing1847 unexclusive1852 all-inclusive1858 broad1872 embracive1897 periscopic1912 wide-angle1932 umbrella1949 1592 T. Nashe Pierce Penilesse (Brit. Libr. copy) sig. K You make this word Dæmon, a capable name of Gods, of men and of deuills. a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1623) iii. iii. 462 Till that a capeable, and wide Reuenge Swallow them vp. 3. Able or fit to receive and be affected by; open to, susceptible: †a. of anything material. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1611 C. Tourneur Atheist's Trag. (new ed.) v. sig. K3 If any roote of life remaines within 'em capable of Phisicke; feare 'em not, my Lord. 1612 J. Davies Discouerie Causes Ireland 5 The husbandman must first breake the Land, before it bee made capeable of good seede. a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Chesh. 171 Some have Flesh, Salt, and Flesh capable thereof. b. of things immaterial. archaic. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > [adjective] > able to receive or be affected by capable1590 capacious1677 the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [adjective] > having capacity potentiala1398 capable1590 susceptiblea1639 possible1736 1590 R. Greene Neuer too Late ii. sig. G2 Mirimidas eares are not capable of any amorous persuasions. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 (1623) i. i. 171 You were aduis'd his flesh was capeable Of Wounds. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 283 His violence..being such, As wee, not capable of death or paine..can repell. View more context for this quotation 1858 H. Bushnell Nature & Supernatural x. 314 To be capable of his doctrine, only requires that the hearer be a human creature. c. absol. ΚΠ 1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iii. iv. 118 His forme and cause conioynd, preaching to stones Would make them capable . View more context for this quotation 4. Able to be affected by; of a nature, or in a condition, to allow or admit of; admitting; susceptible. Const. of, also absol. ΚΠ 1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lvii. 126 Infants which are not capable of instruction. 1652 M. Nedham tr. J. Selden Of Dominion of Sea 11 The soil of a strange Citie is not capable of such a dedication. 1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 469. ¶5 He who is in any degree capable of Corruption. 1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron II. vii. xxxiii. 204 The Being of a God is capable of clear Proof. 1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. i. v. 90 It is easy to see, that we are capable of moral Improvement by Discipline. 1794 R. J. Sulivan View of Nature I. 45 [A matter] capable of explanation. 1868 J. H. Blunt Reformation Church of Eng. I. 407 It was a system capable of very ready abuse. 1871 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues IV. 61 Men differ from the lower animals in that they are capable of musical discipline. 5. a. Having the needful capacity, power, or fitness for (some specified purpose or activity). Const. of; formerly also infinitive. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > [adjective] ablea1382 virtuousc1425 capyousc1430 capax1432 possiblea1460 bastant1594 capable1597 powerful1620 1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxxxi. 260 A qualitie which maketh capable of any function. 1630 Bp. J. Hall Occas. Medit. §v No other creature besides Man is capable to apprehend this beautie. 1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 264. ⁋1 How few there are capable of a religious, learned, or philosophick Solitude. 1737–59 P. Miller Gardeners Dict. The weaker trees being less capable to furnish a supply of nourishment. 1752 S. Johnson Rambler No. 207. ⁋8 Anything..capable of giving happiness. 1796 Bp. R. Watson Apol. for Bible 338 You are capable of better things. 1863 E. V. Neale Analogy Thought & Nature 51 Animals must be capable of forming general thoughts. 1879 Cassell's Techn. Educator (new ed.) IV. 91/3 A common compass-card, capable of free movement on a needle-point. b. In a bad sense: Having the effrontery, depravity, wickedness for. ΚΠ a1680 S. Charnock Expos. Psalm x. 11 in C. H. Spurgeon Treasury of David (1870) I. 137 The criminal capable to practise them. 1777 E. Burke Corr. (1844) II. 144 They who are capable of being forgers, are capable of being incendiaries. 1867 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest I. vi. 460 Eadric was capable of every wickedness. 6. absol. Having general capacity, intelligence, or ability; qualified, gifted, able, competent. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > [adjective] > competent goodc1275 sufficientc1385 suffisantc1385 capable1609 adequate1867 the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > common sense > [adjective] wittyc1380 perceivedc1425 sensible?a1439 sober-minded1534 staida1555 sonsy1568 mother-witted1593 unfoolish1603 capable1609 sober1619 hard-headed1779 commonsensical1792 sensical1795 sober-minded1811 common-sensible1813 savvy1826 common sensed1834 level1869 level-headed1879 square-headed1896 1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida iii. iii. 297 Let mee beare another to his horse, for thats the more capable creature. View more context for this quotation a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 24 The capablest man for business, and the best speaker in that Kingdom. 1728 J. Morgan Compl. Hist. Algiers I. v. 294 Giving him, when capable, the whole management of all his domestic affairs. 1857 A. Jameson Legends Madonna 237 Joseph as the vigilant and capable guardian of the Mother and the Child. 1871 J. S. Blackie Four Phases Morals i. 3 A more capable..witness could not be desired. †7. Having some external, esp. a legal, capacity or qualification; qualified, entitled; in Law, qualified to hold or possess (property, etc.). Const. of, also absol. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > law > legal capacity > [adjective] capable1608 1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear vi. 85 Of my land..ile worke the meanes to make thee capable . View more context for this quotation 1610 J. Guillim Display of Heraldrie ii. v. 53 Bastards are not capable of their fathers patrimonie. 1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts ii. 134 To keepe themselves from all legall pollution, that they might bee capable of eating the Passover. 1765 T. Hutchinson Hist. Colony Massachusets-Bay, 1628–91 (ed. 2) ii. 327 Protestants..were capable of being made freemen. 1806 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. VI. 517 The devisee must be a person capable at the death of the devisor. 1809 T. E. Tomlins Jacob's Law-dict. at Capacity An alien born..is capable of personal estate; but he is not capable of lands of inheritance. B. n. A capable person. rare. ΚΠ 1901 Contemp. Rev. Mar. 410 A few hundred serious-minded capables. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1888; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < adj.n.1561
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