abile

skilled; capable

adjective AH-bee-leh Rare

Origin: From Latin habilis (easy to handle, apt), from habere (to hold, to have).

Also means

fit for military service

Usage Note

Abile is a versatile adjective meaning both 'skilled' (at a task) and, in administrative/military contexts, 'fit' (abile al servizio militare = fit for military service). The antonym is inabile. Plural: abili for both genders. Do not confuse with bravo (good at something, more colloquial) — abile often implies dexterity or technical skill.

Examples

"È un'abile pianista con anni di esperienza."

Natural Translation

She is a skilled pianist with years of experience.

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