Abilities

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Ability \A*bil"i*ty\ ([.a]*b[i^]l"[i^]*t[y^]), n.; pl.
     {Abilities} ([.a]*b[i^]l"[i^]*t[i^]z). [F. habilet['e],
     earlier spelling habilit['e] (with silent h), L. habilitas
     aptitude, ability, fr. habilis apt. See {Able}.]
     The quality or state of being able; power to perform, whether
     physical, moral, intellectual, conventional, or legal;


     capacity; skill or competence in doing; sufficiency of
     strength, skill, resources, etc.; -- in the plural, faculty,
     talent.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Then the disciples, every man according to his ability,
           determined to send relief unto the brethren. --Acts xi.
                                                    29.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need
           pruning by study.                        --Bacon.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           The public men of England, with much of a peculiar kind
           of ability.                              --Macaulay.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Syn: Capacity; talent; cleverness; faculty; capability;
          efficiency; aptitude; aptness; address; dexterity;
          skill.
  
     Usage: {Ability}, {Capacity}. These words come into
            comparison when applied to the higher intellectual
            powers. Ability has reference to the active exercise
            of our faculties. It implies not only native vigor of
            mind, but that ease and promptitude of execution which
            arise from mental training. Thus, we speak of the
            ability with which a book is written, an argument
            maintained, a negotiation carried on, etc. It always
            something to be done, and the power of doing it.
            Capacity has reference to the receptive powers. In its
            higher exercises it supposes great quickness of
            apprehension and breadth of intellect, with an
            uncommon aptitude for acquiring and retaining
            knowledge. Hence it carries with it the idea of
            resources and undeveloped power. Thus we speak of the
            extraordinary capacity of such men as Lord Bacon,
            Blaise Pascal, and Edmund Burke. "Capacity," says H.
            Taylor, "is requisite to devise, and ability to
            execute, a great enterprise." The word abilities, in
            the plural, embraces both these qualities, and denotes
            high mental endowments.
            [1913 Webster] Abime