able *able
/ˈeɪbl ||; ˈebḷ/adj
1 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