/ˈeɪbl ||; ˈebḷ/adj1 able to do sth (used as a modal verb 用作情态动词) to have the ability, power, opportunity, time, etc to do sth 有能力、权力、机会、时间等做某事: Will you be able to come to a meeting next week? 下个星期你能来开会吗？I was able to solve the problem quickly. 我很快就把问题解决。Many men don't feel able to express their emotions. 许多男人觉得无法表达自己的感情。
In the passive can/could are used, not be able The arrangement can't be changed.For more information about modal verbs, look at the Quick Grammar Reference section at the back of this dictionary. 使用被动语态时用can／could，不用be able：The arrangement can't be changed.有关的安排不能更改。有关情态动词的详细用法，参看本词典末“语法便览”部份。 2 (
comparative abler /ˈeɪblə(r)
||; ˈeblɚ/
superlative ablest /ˈeɪblɪst
||; ˈeblɪst/) clever; doing your job well 聪明的；能干的:
one of the ablest students in the class 班里最聪明的学生之一an able politician 有才干的政治家 ➔ably /ˈeɪbli ||; ˈeblɪ/ adv