A1 noun 중립 #2,744 가장 일반적인 2분 분량

ability

/əˈbɪlɪti/

Ability is the power or skill needed to do something, acquired through talent or training.

30초 단어

  • Power or skill to do something.
  • Can be physical or mental.
  • Indicates capability through talent or training.

**Overview**

'Ability' is a fundamental concept that describes the possession of the necessary skills, knowledge, or talent to perform a task or action. It's what allows individuals to interact with their environment and achieve goals. This can range from simple physical actions like walking to complex mental processes like problem-solving.

**Usage Patterns**

'Ability' is often used with prepositions like 'to' (e.g., 'the ability to speak'), 'of' (e.g., 'a person of great ability'), or in phrases like 'have the ability'. It can be modified by adjectives like 'natural', 'special', 'limited', or 'exceptional' to specify the degree or type of skill.

**Common Contexts**

You'll encounter 'ability' in discussions about education (e.g., 'learning ability'), employment (e.g., 'job skills and abilities'), personal development (e.g., 'developing your abilities'), and even in describing animal or machine capabilities (e.g., 'the ability of a bird to fly').

**Similar Words Comparison**:

  • Skill: Often implies a more specific, learned proficiency, like 'typing skill'. Ability is broader and can encompass innate talents.
  • Talent: Suggests a natural aptitude or gift for something, often without explicit training, like 'a talent for music'. Ability can be developed through effort.
  • Capacity: Refers to the potential or maximum amount something can hold or achieve, like 'the capacity of the stadium'. It can also mean ability, but often in the sense of potential rather than current performance.

예시

1

He has the ability to play the piano beautifully.

everyday

Él tiene la habilidad de tocar el piano maravillosamente.

2

The company seeks candidates with strong analytical abilities.

formal

La empresa busca candidatos con sólidas habilidades analíticas.

3

Wow, you have a real ability to make people laugh!

informal

¡Vaya, tienes una habilidad real para hacer reír a la gente!

4

Cognitive ability is crucial for complex problem-solving.

academic

La habilidad cognitiva es crucial para la resolución de problemas complejos.

반의어

inability incapacity weakness

자주 쓰는 조합

possess the ability poseer la habilidad
lack the ability carecer de la habilidad
develop an ability desarrollar una habilidad
natural ability habilidad natural

자주 쓰는 구문

ability to pay

capacidad de pago

mental ability

capacidad mental

physical ability

habilidad física

자주 혼동되는 단어

ability vs capable

'Capable' is an adjective meaning having the ability or power to do something. 'Ability' is the noun referring to that power or skill itself. For example, 'He is capable' (adjective) vs. 'He has the ability' (noun).

ability vs competent

'Competent' is an adjective meaning having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. It implies a satisfactory level of performance. 'Ability' is the underlying power or skill.

문법 패턴

ability to + verb (infinitive) the ability of + noun/pronoun have the ability possess the ability

How to Use It

사용 참고사항

Ability is a versatile noun used in many contexts, from personal skills to professional requirements. When referring to a specific learned skill, 'skill' might be more precise. For innate talents, 'aptitude' or 'talent' could be used.


자주 하는 실수

Avoid using 'ability' as an adjective; use 'able' instead (e.g., 'He is able to help', not 'He has ability to help'). Also, ensure you use the correct preposition: 'ability to do something', not 'ability for doing something'.

Tips

💡

Focus on developing your skills

Think about what you want to achieve and identify the abilities needed. Then, focus on practicing and learning to build those abilities.

⚠️

Don't confuse potential with performance

Having the ability to do something is different from actually doing it well. Consistent effort is key to turning potential ability into actual performance.

🌍

Valuing diverse abilities

Different cultures may value different types of abilities. Recognize and appreciate the wide range of skills and talents people possess.

어원

The word 'ability' comes from the Latin 'habilitas', meaning 'hability, capability, fitness'. It evolved through Old French and Middle English, ultimately relating to the concept of being able to do something.

문화적 맥락

In many cultures, specific abilities are highly valued, whether they are practical skills for survival, artistic talents, or intellectual prowess. The recognition and development of abilities are often central to personal growth and societal contribution.

암기 팁

Think of 'ability' as the 'ability' to 'do' things. The 'a-b' sound connection in 'ability' and 'able' can help remember its core meaning of being able to perform an action.

자주 묻는 질문

4 질문

Ability is a broader term for the power to do something, which can be natural or learned. Skill usually refers to a more specific, often learned, proficiency in a particular task.

Yes, ability can often be improved through practice, training, and gaining experience. While some abilities might stem from natural talent, most can be developed over time.

Not necessarily. While often used in a positive sense, 'ability' simply describes the capacity to do something. One could have the ability to do something harmful, for example.

It means someone has some power or skill, but it is restricted or not fully developed. They can do certain things, but perhaps not as well or as extensively as others.

셀프 테스트

fill blank

She has a natural _____ to learn languages quickly.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ability

'Ability' is the noun form needed here to refer to the power or skill.

multiple choice

The job requires the _____ to work under pressure.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ability

'Ability' is the most appropriate word to describe the general power or competence needed for the job requirement.

sentence building

the / learn / ability / develop / to / I / to

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: I have the ability to learn.

This sentence correctly uses 'ability' to express the possession of the power to learn.

점수: /3

Related Content

Education 관련 단어

abalihood

C1

잠재적인 가능성이나 기술 습득을 위한 준비 상태를 묘사해요.

abcedation

C1

Abcedation refers to the act of teaching, learning, or arranging something in alphabetical order. It is an obscure or technical term used primarily in archival, linguistic, or historical educational contexts to describe systematic organization or initial literacy.

abcognful

C1

An abcognful refers to the maximum amount of abstract cognitive data an individual can consciously process or hold in working memory at one time. It is a specialized term used in psychometric testing to quantify the upper limits of conceptual synthesis and mental agility.

abspirary

C1

주된 목표가 아니라, 연구나 계획에서 부수적이거나 옆길로 새는 목표를 말해요.

abstract

B2

A brief summary of a research paper, thesis, or report that highlights the main points and findings. It is typically found at the beginning of a document to help readers quickly understand the core purpose and results.

abstruse

C1

Describing something that is difficult to understand because it is intellectual, complex, or obscure. It is typically used for subjects, theories, or language that require significant effort or specialized knowledge to grasp.

academic

A2

Relating to schools, colleges, and universities, or connected to studying and thinking rather than practical or technical skills. It is often used to describe subjects like history, math, and science that are studied in an educational setting.

accreditation

B2

기관이나 프로그램이 정해진 품질 기준을 충족했다고 공식적으로 인정받는 과정이야. 신뢰할 수 있다는 증명서 같은 거지.

acquire

A2

To obtain or get something, such as a physical object, a skill, or knowledge, often through effort or purchase. It is frequently used to describe a gradual process of learning or a formal business transaction.

admission

B2

Admission refers to the permission or right to enter a place, organization, or institution, often involving a specific process or fee. It also describes a statement acknowledging that something is true, typically something that is personal, embarrassing, or an error.

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