Etymology
Blog
Etymology Blog

Ability etymology

English

English word ability comes from Latin habilis, and later Latin habilitas (Ability, aptitude.)

Detailed word origin of ability

Dictionary entry Language Definition
habilis Latin (lat) Apt, skillful. Manageable. Nimble, swift. Suitable, fit, proper.
habilitas Latin (lat) Ability, aptitude.
ablete Old French (842-ca. 1400) (fro)
habilite Middle French (ca. 1400-1600) (frm)
abilite Middle English (1100-1500) (enm)
ability English (en) (archaic) Financial ability. [First attested in the early 16th century.]. (countable) A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude. [First attested in the early 17 th century.]. (now, limited to, _, Scottish, _, dialects) Physical power. [First attested from around (1350 to 1470).]. (obsolete) Suitableness. [Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the late 17th century.]. [...]