able and capable share a recorded sense, so the question is not what they mean but which one fits. able means “(usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something”. capable means “(usually followed by `of') having capacity or ability”. able is the more common of the two in everyday English.
/ˈeɪbəl/
1.adj.(usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
“able to swim”
2.adj.have the skills and qualifications to do things well
“able teachers”
3.adj.having inherent physical or mental ability or capacity
“able to learn”
/ˈkeɪpəbəl/
1.adj.(usually followed by `of') having capacity or ability
“capable of winning”
2.adj.possibly accepting or permitting
“a passage capable of misinterpretation”
3.adj.(followed by `of') having the temperament or inclination for
“no one believed her capable of murder”
| able | capable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈeɪbəl/ | /ˈkeɪpəbəl/ |
| Said | AY-buhl | KAY-puh-buhl |
| Syllables | 2 | 3 |
| Letters | 4 | 7 |
| Parts of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Senses | 4 | 5 |
| How common | Core | Common |
| Synonyms | none recorded | none recorded |
Full entry for able · Full entry for capable · More comparisons