abilitya general word for power, native or acquired, enabling one to do things well: an ability for mathNot to be confused with:capacity ? actual or potential ability to perform or withstand: a capacity for hard workfaculty ? a natural ability for a particular kind of action: a faculty for choosing the right friendstalent ? native ability or aptitude in a special field: a talent for art or musicAbused, Confused, & Misused Words by Mary Embree Copyright © 2007, 2013 by Mary Embreea·bil·i·ty (?-b?l??-t?)n. pl. a·bil·i·ties 1. a. The quality of being able to do something, especially the physical, mental, financial, or legal power to accomplish something.b. A skill, talent, or capacity: a student of many abilities.2. The quality of being suitable for or receptive to a specified treatment: the ability of a computer to be configured for use as a file server. See Usage Note at able.[Middle English abilite, from Old French habilite, from Latin habilit?s, from habilis, handy; see able.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.ability (??b?l?t?) n, pl -ties1. possession of the qualities required to do something; necessary skill, competence, or power: the ability to cope with a problem. 2. considerable proficiency; natural capability: a man of ability. 3. (plural) special talents[C14: from Old French from Latin habilit?s aptitude, handiness, from habilis able]Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014a?bil?i?ty (??b?l ? ti) n., pl. -ties. 1. power or capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, or financially. 2. competence based on natural skill, training, or other qualification. 3. abilities, talents; special skills or aptitudes. [1350?1400; Middle English (h)abilite
-ability
-ability or -ibilitysuff. Ability, inclination, or suitability for a specified action or condition: teachability.[Middle English -abilitie, from Old French -abilite, from Latin -?bilit?s, from -?bilis, -able.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.a?bil?i?ty (??b?l ? ti) n., pl. -ties. 1. power or capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, or financially. 2. competence based on natural skill, training, or other qualification. 3. abilities, talents; special skills or aptitudes. [1350?1400; Middle English (h)abilite