1. (adj)able (usually followed by `to') having the necessarymeans or skill or know-how or authority to do something
"able to swim"; "she was able to program her computer"; "we were at last able to buy a car"; "able to get a grant for the project"
2. (adj)able, capable have the skills and qualifications to do thingswell "able teachers"; "a capable administrator"; "children as young as 14 can be extremely capable and dependable"
3. (adj)able having inherent physical or mental ability or capacity "able to learn"; "human beings are able to walk on two feet"; "Superman is able to leap tall buildings"
4. (adj)able, able-bodied having a strong healthy body "an able seaman"; "every able-bodied young man served in the army"