
English word ability comes from Latin habilis, and later Latin habilitas (Ability, aptitude.)
habilis (Latin)
Apt, skillful. Manageable. Nimble, swift. Suitable, fit, proper.
habilitas (Latin)
Ability, aptitude.
ablete (Old French)
habilite (Middle French)
abilite (Middle English)
ability (English)
(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.]. [...]