able

capable

Qui peut faire quelque chose.

En anglais simple : If you are this, you can do something.

• I am able to swim.
• Were you able to open the door?
• He will be able to help tomorrow.

Comment l'utiliser : be able to + verb (She is able to read French.)

Synonymes : capable

Contraires : unable

Expressions courantes : able to swim, able to help, able to come, able to lift

libre, autorisé

Qui peut faire quelque chose parce qu’il en a l’autorisation ou qu’aucun obstacle ne l’en empêche.

En anglais simple : Free to do something because nothing stops you or prevents it.

• You are able to leave now.
• She was finally able to travel abroad.
• Will we be able to speak freely?

Comment l'utiliser : be able to + verb (After the meeting, you will be able to leave.)

Synonymes : free, permitted

Expressions courantes : able to leave, able to speak, able to travel

compétent, habile

Qui fait bien un travail grâce à ses compétences ou à son intelligence.

En anglais simple : Good at doing a job because of skill or intelligence.

• She is an able teacher.
• The company needs an able manager.
• He proved an able leader during the crisis.

Synonymes : capable, competent, skilled

Contraires : incompetent

Expressions courantes : able teacher, able leader, able assistant